Original subtitles

A LITTLE VIRTUOUS

We do what we can.

At that time,

I was taking instant street photos for an agency.

A dump called Polnick Pictures.

And, fortunately, bosses like its founder

are few and far between.

Claiming to be born in the Warsaw ghetto,

Julius Polnick's real name was Léon Pipard.

He was born in Meudon, like anybody else.

Doris, his American secretary,

was born in Batignolles Square.

They shared their room but not their dreams.

I shared a two-room apartment with a friend.

We had failed all our exams together.

François drew 36 inch breasts and 34 inch hips,

for thingummybob's girdles.

And since we all have dreams, I had my own nightmare:

Jeannine.

I'd invited her to dinner one night.

Now, she'd been around for 6 months.

She talked to me about marriage,

I talked about packing suitcases.

She didn't insist.

As for François, he would have willingly married her.

Oh, excuse me!

One afternoon, he wanted to meet me in a bar on St. Germain,

apparently to ask me for the hand of my mistress.

That's where it all started.

Hello.

- Hello. - Has François been in?

Not yet.

- A beer? - Yes.

I'm sorry.

- It's quite alright. - Sorry.

I'm really sorry.

- I wasn't thirsty. - Oh, no!

If you break a glass you have to pay for it,

If you knock one over,

you have to replace it.

- Perhaps you think I'm drunk? - Not at all.

So, what'll you have?

By the way, I'm inviting you to my table.

That's just the way I am.

It's called being altruistic.

You see, I'm not drunk. I've got it all up here.

Isn't she lovely?

Isn't she cute?

I wouldn't want to bother you.

Bother her? You must be joking!

Nothing bothers her.

Like a statue!

That's how I like my women.

I can speak for both of us, drink for both of us,

I can... You get my point.

At home, in Chartres, I'm called Lajoie.

What'll you have?

- Well? - Well, what?

You seem half-asleep! What do you want to drink?

- A beer. - One beer, two scotchs.

Well, I'll let you get to know one another.

Your beer, Mr. Ferdinand.

Here they call me Ferdinand,

but usually, I'm called Fred.

I'm a photo-journalist.

I work for a huge outfit.

- I spend my life in planes... - You're not obliged to talk.

Right then.

Since I don't have to be here...

Is she making you leave?

Is she intimidating you?

- We're having fun, but... - Right, let's go somewhere else.

I'm inviting you to dinner at the Clauserie.

Come on, let's go.

Waiter, the cheque.

For God's sake! My wallet!

Someone stole my wallet.

- Give it back. - What's got into you?

I know people in Paris. It's going to really heat up.

- Give it back or I'll call the cops! - Calm down, gentlemen!

- No scandal here, please! - Marcel, what's going on?

- Someone stole my wallet. - Who?

Him.

Stupid and drunk. We're not done yet.

There's no need to bother the police.

Come with me.

There.

I'm sure we can work it out between us.

No one suspects anyone.

- I'm not suspecting. I'm accusing. - Madam was with you?

Yes. I can answer for her.

And Mr. Fred is a customer,

- a regular... - A regular what?

Pickpocket? Nice customers you've got.

We'll remember this, won't we, sweetie?

I'm sorry, Mr. Fred, but it would be easiest if...

Mr. Fred totally understands the situation.

All you have to do now is apologize.

Apologize? For being robbed?

That's a good one! Are you making fun of me?

I want my wallet, my papers,

my driver's licence, my tax sticker...

If it's not him, it must be her.

I thought you were answering for madam.

"Madam"? "Madam"...

That's a good one! "Madam"...

A stupid tart I picked up outside.

She brought me here.

Your criminal was waiting for her here.

I'm sure they're working together.

Alka Seltzer or a good kick?

You're beginning to annoy everyone.

No, come on, it's nothing.

The "stupid tart" knows exactly what's going on.

I can take my clothes off now, if you like.

I don't have any papers.

This isn't over by a long shot!

They know me in Chartres.

- They call him Lajoie. - I might well be drunk.

But I know your little game.

- You're going to let them go? - So what?

- I'll have you lose your licence. - You just go right ahead.

He could catch us up and do that number on us again. I don't want that.

- How long have you known him? - 5 minutes.

Pardon?

Does it bother you that a woman would go into a bar with a man

she'd only known for 5 minutes?

No...

Did you take that wallet?

No, I swear I didn't.

I believe you.

Here we are then.

- Goodbye, Ferdinand. - Goodbye.

I'd say that it fell out of your pocket.

Yes, I...

You're going to say that you don't understand?

On the contrary.

I understand very well.

You put it there.

Yes.

Wait a minute, I'll go over it again:

before showing what was in your purse, you...

Right! Don't make a song and dance about it.

You're a real nitpicker.

I'm just not that used to thieves.

Too bad for me.

He was getting out his car while I was parking and smiled at me.

So I smiled back at him.

He took me for a hooker, which I thought was really funny.

So I followed him to see what would happen.

But he was rude and gross... Well, you saw him at work.

He put his wallet on the table, so I nicked it.

I know it was stupid.

I'll mail it back to him.

Are you in a hurry?

- Is someone waiting for you? - No, why?

Do you always need to know why?

Have a seat.

You have to excuse me,

but just now, I thought...

When I'm not stealing wallets, I'm in photos too.

But on the other side of the camera.

- That sounds good. - I model hairstyles, jewelry...

mostly for English magazines.

I do pretty well.

Come and sit down.

So,

you said you were a reporter?

No. I lied to you.

Oh! That's not very nice!

- Scotch or Cinzano? - I'm not a reporter.

I take photos in the street for a pitiful agency.

Scotch.

But it's just temporary.

Young and dynamic,

young Fred is looking towards the future.

I want to work at night.

Take tourists as they come out of restaurants and nightclubs.

At night, people spend more freely.

- Is that true? - What do you think about that?

I don't go out much at night.

And to follow up, since there will be a follow up,

I'll try and start a studio.

You will?

And produce albums. Albums on...

a city...

or perhaps...

a woman.

You know...

like Doisneau,

or Cartier-Bresson...

Great.

I'll be right back.

Who's the "man of the future"?

Great idea - photos with flash.

I nearly got caught this afternoon.

He was there. I had to be nice.

You could have been nice to him at a hotel.

That's not what it was about.

What was it about?

- I forgot to give you some ice. - It's fine, thank you.

"Thank you!"

The wallet?

Do you like it?

- The dress? - No, the mermaid.

Yes.

You can have it.

I can't accept it.

It might be something you're very fond of.

- Of course, I'm fond of it. - Well, there you are!

I liked it and someone gave it to me.

You like it and I'm giving it to you.

Life is simple.

Come on, don't be so difficult.

I thought life was simple.

Right. I want it to stay that way.

Are you really going to give him back his wallet?

- You don't believe me? - Not really.

OK. Wait a minute.

Tell me, how much was in it?

- 280. - Give me back 50.

- Are you crazy? - No.

In our job, my pet,

we have morals and we know the value of money.

When you start giving back the dough you're on a slippery slope.

And I know that fatal sequence of events.

Give it back today, you'll be begging tomorrow.

A week later, you need a sponsor. And a month later, it's all over.

What about the 50? Come on. Give it to me.

Here you are.

All you have to do is mail it.

Oh, don't put the name of the sender

and especially not the address.

I don't want anyone coming here to thank me.

What about me?

If I wanted to thank you?

- Balzac 2196. - Balzac...

So, now you need to ask me for permission to leave.

That will avoid my having to throw you out.

I have a whole series of photos to do.

On the other side of Paris, of course.

Excuse me.

Could we perhaps have dinner tomorrow?

Call me.

And in case you want to call me...

Thank you, Ferdinand.

- No. Fred. - Goodbye, Fred.

Goodbye...

Claire.

I thought he was going to start living here!

"Polnick Pictures."

Poor old guy, c'mon!

Hey, the "poor old guy" is a young man.

What?

I said: he's a young man.

What we have to tell you is extremely important.

- It concerns the three of us. - What is it?

Beef stew.

It's about our future.

Give me some meat and a few carrots.

Your sauce looks great. Where did you get it?

Gouffé, page 611.

- Ferdinand... - François?

Would you please listen to me for a minute?

You must have noticed that Jeannine and I...

- Aren't you having any? - Will you let him speak?

We don't talk while we're eating, do we!

François, are you in love with Jeannine?

Yes.

Jeannine, are you in love with François?

Yes.

Then, there's no problem!

You swore you'd get them for me.

Just kill me now.

A gunshot to the head, a hammer...

Let's be done with it. I'm calling for death.

You couple of vultures!

You'd do well to understand that Polnick Pictures

isn't subsidised.

I pay for the film.

- Yes, Mr. Polnick. - Yes, I'm the one who pays.

It's my flesh and blood.

If you ruin it, you're bleeding me dry.

He's teaching, he's spouting dogma,

he's indoctrinating.

He's up to his old tricks, in fact.

- Is it a good time to talk to him? - Depends what about.

Money? Definitely not.

The coffers are empty.

With your permission. May I?

- What did I just do? - Take a photo.

No, gentlemen. I was faking it.

The sucker either takes a card or he doesn't.

Let's say he takes it.

Oh, what a great shot!

Oh, that's just lovely. Let's take two.

And then, you take your photo.

It's not hard, but you don't learn it at school.

Here with me, you may not earn a fortune.

No, but you'll learn your job.

As for stashing away the cash,

he's getting more and more crafty.

He even manages to hide it from me.

I can't find it any more.

I found some papers under his mattress

saying he'd bought some louis.

Impossible to get your hands on them.

- Even so, he didn't eat them! - I'm not so sure.

We should turn him upside down

and give him a good shake so they fall out.

What the hell's going on today, eh?

A gathering of birds of prey?

A festival of vultures?

Do you know the cost of a flash like the one you want?

- 282,75 francs. - Yes, correct.

I just bought one.

*(INDISTINCT MUMBLING)

Not such a bad idea really!

Seems like a bit of a trap, your idea.

I brought the idea and the tools. I want a third of the profits.

Let's be serious: a quarter.

No, a third or nothing.

And if I don't play along?

I'll put the idea to Plus Photo.

- They'll go for it. - You're a little racketeer!

After all I've done for you.

I've shared everything with you:

my food, my house, Doris...

Well, you weren't the first and you won't be the last.

There's no reason to strangle your benefactor.

I said a third.

Do you agree or not?

What's got into you suddenly that you want to earn this money?

Is it a woman? A babe?

Do you agree?

I have to since you've got me by the throat.

I was sure of it. I'm starting this evening.

Go on, get out of here.

Are you Polnick Pictures?

Yes, I am. Well, I am and I'm not.

I'm just the artistic director and financial backer.

But just as a volunteer, of course.

Do you have an employee called Ferdinand Thibault?

Why?

Did he use my excellent reputation for questionable purposes?

Has he made some porno movies?

- I'm not surprised! - Mr. Thibault is in hospital.

Oh, shit!

Did they steal your camera?

Just the film. Apart from that...

I'm sorry, I'm just upset.

I was woken up by a cop.

That really shook me up!

I don't know why,

but cops really make me nervous.

Someone hit you with some brass knuckles - a nasty weapon.

I've got the proof.

Have you finished talking nonsense?

- Who are you anyway? - The cop on duty.

Inspector Lorenzi.

It's the fourth mugging of this kind in the neighbourhood.

In your case, they just took your roll of film.

The others no longer had their wallets.

I'm thinking you took a photo of someone who didn't want it taken.

But the brass knuckles tie your mugging to the others.

You can help us.

How?

By trying to remember.

While you were taking your photos,

did you notice any face...

No, I didn't.

Right.

Well, I won't tire you any longer.

We'll see each other again.

Just think about all of this.

- Are you ready? - Yes.

You'll be left with a little scar.

It'll make you more manly. You needed it.

- Jeannine. - What?

- Why, come on. - I'm coming.

You'll have to manage on your own for a couple of days.

We have to go to Arcachon.

We might even get set up there.

- Are there any newspapers in Arcachon? - What?

- Are there any newspapers in Arcachon? - No, there aren't.

But there are oysters.

Jeannine, please!

- Oh, you know... - Exactly, I know, I know.

Is Ferdinand Thibault here?

Yes, he's here.

Ferdinand, you have a visitor.

Hello.

Hello.

Shall we go?

- I find her not too bad at all. - I'm not surprised!

So, this head of yours.

Not too badly damaged?

No.

I thought you lived alone.

- Who was it? - Just a friend.

No, I'm not talking about him.

A lady friend.

I take a photo of you on some guy's arm,

I wake up in hospital, and on top of that,

you're asking me questions!

You've got a nerve.

I hadn't heard from you. I dropped in at Polnick Pictures.

The boss told me everything.

Any other questions?

Yes.

- What's all this? - Just a light meal.

Aren't you hungry?

Not really.

Liar.

You're delighted to see me and you're dying of hunger.

Only, you're sulking. That's normal.

Do you like smoked salmon?

I'm really sorry about last night.

I was with a guy who hates being photographed.

- Where are the plates? - In the kitchen cupboard.

On top of that, Brady was in a bad temper last night.

We'd just had a row.

He wanted me to go to Rome for a photo shoot.

- Who's Brady? - The guy from last night.

I brought you some raspberries.

Do you like them?

Who was that last night?

An impresario, an old friend.

Not that old.

- Why are you laughing? - No reason.

Sometimes I think of funny things and I laugh.

Sometimes I think of things that aren't so funny...

Don't pay any attention.

A doctor told me I was cyclothymic.

What do you think?

Since yesterday, I don't think any more.

Or I think too much. It comes to the same thing.

Where's the cutlery?

You know, the police questioned me.

He was good, the inspector, very good.

We talked about all kinds of things.

- About me? - About you?

No.

About everything except you.

Does that make you feel better?

I really don't care.

Why did you come here?

To sleep with you.

Well, no, not exactly.

But if you said to me: "I need a rest.

I'm going away for a couple of days. Do you want to come with me?"

I might not say no.

If you think you're never better off than at home,

I wouldn't make a fuss.

Have you been stealing for a long time?

No. Let's not talk about that.

You'll blame me for all kinds of things and we'll have a row.

When we're together, I want us to be happy.

But I don't blame you for anything.

I just want to understand.

Do you think that's of any use?

I didn't learn to steal in the crib, you know.

I never told you I was a child prodigy.

When I was 16, I used to work in the basement of a book shop.

I wrapped things up.

Up to the day when the owner looked at me strangely.

His wife too, as it happens.

So I left.

I wrapped things up in a leather shop,

then in a drugstore.

I can't tell you how many packets I made up.

Later on I ended up in a shoe store.

That's where I met Brady.

He'd just bought some alligator shoes.

Very fashionable.

He told me I was photogenic,

and that he ran a model agency.

And you left the shoe store.

Well, if I hadn't left it,

right now we'd be in a cheap crummy hotel.

- It's all the same to me. - Not to me.

So, be quiet.

We're good, aren't we?

We're nearly happy!

I know it bothers you to talk about it,

but I prefer to because there's not much else.

Guys like the one in the bar, the fat one,

- do you ever sleep with them? - Not often. I don't like fat guys.

Where are you going, Fred? Come on, don't be stupid.

What are you doing?

As you can see...

- Do you really want to go? - Yes.

Will we see each other again?

No.

But, what did I do? What did I say?

What shouldn't I have said?

Oh, well...

This is really stupid.

You think one way, and I think another.

I love you.

But we'll never understand each other.

What did you say?

We'll never understand each other.

No, before that. You said something else.

Fred!

I love you too.

Look, if you want, I can drop everything.

And when I say everything, I mean everything:

dinners downtown, the wallets, even the photos.

No. The photos, that's a job.

It's a job we could even do together.

- Wait, that's given me an idea. - Really?

- Aren't I amazing! - Yes, you really are!

Last week, it was "the photos with flash" deal,

this week, it's "the fashion photos" deal.

What'll it be next?

We just need a good enlarger.

We just need a good sponsor.

I'll put up the money. I'll provide the model.

And I'll do the work. We'll cut it 50-50.

Once the initial outlay has been paid back.

Why does he want to give me 50%?

It's not a gift, it's rent.

I'm going to set up here, if you agree.

And where'll I go? Out on the street?

Why not?

But not this street, another one so that we can't hear you any more.

You see how they treat us once we stop pleasing them!

A broken puppet, a discarded old man...

When would you start?

Tomorrow.

Maybe you'd like to ask me first?

Drop the odd word my way.

Shit!

Not even a phone call. Nothing!

You could at least let me know how you're doing.

Well anyway, you're not sick. I'm glad.

It'd be a nightmare.

That's not certain.

- May we know where you were? - Nowhere.

And who with?

Roses have secrets, women have their mysteries.

She was nowhere with nobody. Not with somebody at the George V.

- But that's life! - That was life.

Some things are about to change.

What are we doing? You coming, or not?

- I'm not coming. - Call Martine.

Have her join you at the George V.

Tell her Claire's sick.

It's true she's sick.

- Sick in the head! - Right. See you tomorrow.

Tell Martine that we're going to Deauville, tomorrow at 9 o'clock.

OK. On your way.

Have a nice evening!

What's Martine going to do in Deauville?

You lead your own life, get distracted, sleep around.

With the result...

Deauville! You were the one who told me about it.

The two guys from Lebanon.

It seems that when they saw you, they nearly went crazy.

- Did you tell me or did I make it up? - I told you.

What's been said has been said.

- Now we have to talk seriously. - About us?

About the three of us.

Who's the third person?

You!

Three days?

Where?

Copenhagen.

That's lucky for you. It's supposed to be very nice.

Oh, there or anywhere else...

- You seem bored with the idea. - Well I'm not happy about it.

You know, I had an idea just now.

How about if we got married?

That's not funny!

I'm not trying to be funny.

I love you.

You see, even if Copenhagen wasn't Copenhagen,

even if you weren't coming back,

I would always be able to picture you, just as you are.

And I would think about you my whole life.

Here, take this. So you can think of me for at least 3 days.

Claire, look at me.

Oh, don't worry. I'll never steal again.

Do you believe me?

Please forgive me.

Oh, guys! This is going to give us such a kick!

Hey Fred,

Don't you think this looks great?

It's going to be terrific.

Looks like a dairy.

A bit more soul, a bit more style...

Hello.

Odeon 10277.

Stay on the line. You have a call from Copenhagen.

Don't hang up.

I'm not hanging up.

Are you sure that...

Right, I'll pass you to him.

It's for you. Copenhagen.

- What's the matter? - Nothing.

It's stupid, but I would have liked someone

to be calling me from Copenhagen!

Hello? Is that you?

Fred?

I'm so happy to hear you.

No, a terrible time.

No, the weather's good... I haven't even paid attention.

If you knew how I miss you.

Oh, just work. And you?

We're going full blast.

You start the day after tomorrow.

Exclusive model for Fred Thibault.

They're calling me. Love you, lots and lots.

Me too.

I really love you.

- So? - They're soaking.

Do you know what they have in mind?

On the boat all day, get back for the Ambassador's Gala,

dinner and casino.

We're good 'til 5 o'clock tomorrow morning.

Martine says you spent most of your time on the phone.

The guy wasn't looking for a receptionist.

- Next time... - There won't be a next time.

I don't understand.

You'll go on without me. I'm getting out of the game.

- Do you understand? - Badly.

Or I understand too well.

- Still the same little fish? - Yes.

I've decided to live with him.

- What about me? - Oh, you...

Yes, me. I exist.

Your happiness is all very well. I even approve of it.

But what about my happiness? Where's that?

You're taking the train and leaving me on the platform.

After 10 years, you've got to admit that it's pretty shitty.

Who's to say I won't do something stupid,

even kill myself?

One doesn't die of sorrow but of deprivation.

- You're the one who told me. - Oh, stick the knife back in!

Look at me a minute.

Do you think I can't see what's going on?

It would suit you if I croaked.

You look at me like I'm a zombie.

When I think that I taught you everything!

Even how to eat crayfish!

- I took you to the heights. - That's right, Louis.

- And I want to come back down. - You mean to come crashing down.

Living on a pittance... I can just see you.

Out in the burbs without a car.

You're not hoping I'll give you money?

No, I'm not hoping for anything. I'm listening.

I staked everything on you. I invested in the apartment,

the clothes, the cars.

I have to get something back. It's only natural.

How much do you think it's all worth?

OK, let's say I give up the clothes and the cars.

The apartment though, that's 4 years rent...

10,000. Let's say 15 so as not to quibble.

What's the extra 5, a fine?

The price of my grief!

OK.

We'll pay.

You're not happy? You think it's too much?

No.

Listen, this is stupid.

Here we are, in front of our house,

it's a beautiful day...

When I think it's all over for us!

- Have you really thought about it? - Yes, I have,

and that's why I don't think it's too much.

Bitch!

Lights.

What's your little friend's name?

Claire. He's told you at least 10 times.

When I was your age I had women running after me.

I was never really handsome,

but I had a certain something.

A kind of animal magnetism.

- Do you see what I mean? - We can't see but can imagine.

Try it with the cigar.

How about a smile? That's it, I've had enough.

Blow up the best one to 30x40. It'll give us a baseline.

You know what I think about wasting film.

Yes, chief.

Oh la la!

Very pretty!

Quite lovely! Oriental!

Ferdinand, it's your babe.

- Claire, Mr. Polnick. - Good morning, Mr. Polnick.

Don't call me "Mr". Just Polnick.

Goddesses can do what they like.

Beauty is at home everywhere.

- Fred! - Just a minute.

Last night you said something about photos.

I don't know what you meant.

- It's our first job. - Yes.

If I pull it off, we're good. If not, I'll be back on the street.

- But with you here, I'm not worried. - Fred!

- Excuse me. I'll be right back. - Take your time.

It's not bad. It's really not bad at all.

What do you think?

- The idiot have been quite handsome! - Looks like a god!

We'll put it in the window, it'll inspire confidence.

We'll get going as soon as you're ready.

I'm here.

Very pretty.

Yes.

Yes, very nice. Great.

You should stay in the shop, in case there's a customer.

What's this guy's problem! I don't believe it!

Right. You know what you're doing. Pose however you like.

I'd prefer you to tell me.

Just do exactly what you usually do.

I'll be here and take the photos.

No, you're too stiff. Can you be a little more relaxed?

Well, it's your profession, you know better than I do.

Like this?

Wait a minute...

Don't try and strike an attitude.

Oh, OK, so what should I...

Look...

You're going to think of something... Sit down, there.

It's really strange.

What's your hand supposed to be resting on?

- I'm showing off the sleeve. - Put it up there, then.

Wait a minute.

OK, go ahead.

You've had photos taken before?

It's stupid, but...

- Is this OK like this? - Does it bother you to be doing this?

No, it's not bothering me.

- Is it not working? - You have to react or something.

You just have to tell me. I'll do whatever you tell me.

It's not up to me. 3 days ago you had a photo shoot in Copenhagen.

No photographer is going to say: "Take up this or that position."

- It's incredible. - How about this?

No, I assure you it's terrible. There's nothing there.

Let's try something else.

If you like.

OK. Come on, follow me.

Move around this. Turn around.

- No not like that! - But I'm turning the stool round.

Have you never had photos taken? It's just not possible!

What's going on?

I think the only photo she's ever had taken was for her identity card.

- Have you never posed before or what? - I'm sorry, you know...

No, I'm the one who's sorry. I'm too agitated.

It's stupid.

There's someone who wants to speak to you.

Who do you mean "someone"?

That cop.

I'll send him packing and then come right back.

Don't worry. We'll get some awesome photos.

I've come at a bad time, haven't I?

I have, I can feel it.

You're very intuitive.

I'm in the middle of an important job.

Last night, a man was mugged, just like you were.

But in his case it's more serious. We're not sure if he'll survive.

I'm very sorry for him, but...

"But what do you want me to do?"

Let's give it one more try.

When I left the hospital, the victim was in a coma.

The mugger is to be part of a gang of pickpockets working St Germain.

A big man with very dark hair. Mean anything to you?

I'm sorry.

Someone attacked you face on, but you have no idea at all?

I'm sorry.

Right.

Well, Mr. Thibault, I won't bother you any longer.

Goodbye.

All the best.

Listen...

Let me know how he's doing.

He's got a 50-50 chance.

Well, that's very nice.

May I?

- Do you have the receipt? - The receipt?

- Are you kidding me? - As it happens, I'm not.

I have an exact description of that case:

rose gold, 20 carats, exclusive to Cartier.

It was stolen with that wallet in the bar on St. Germain.

No it's not true. You're crazy!

Watch what you say, you little snot!

You could get slapped.

In the meantime, go and get your jacket.

While you're at it, get a cover story.

Go on!

Leave him alone.

I stole that case and the wallet so leave him alone.

That can't be true!

What are you talking about?

It's true.

She was taken away, put on trial and found guilty.

A mandatory one year prison term.

As it was her first offence, she could have got away with 6 months.

But she paid the extra price for keeping her mouth shut.

She refused to name any of her accomplices.

The examining magistrate and the judge didn't like that.

Honesty is a question of optics.

Claire made me promise not to see her or write to her.

And I kept that promise.

At school, I had learned that a year is 365 days,

that each day has 24 hours and that each hour has 60 minutes.

No one ever told me that some minutes

last for an eternity.

Now, I knew that.

I just completed an extra year of classes.

I'll go and make some coffee.

I thought no one would be waiting,

and that you'd have forgotten me.

You should have.

Next time, I'll try to.

I'm sorry, Claire.

We've got all the time in the world.

You know, I still feel cold and hard inside.

I'm warning you.

It's going to be great.

You'll come to life again.

I've changed jobs, you know.

I'm working in a nightclub.

I take photos of the audience and of the performance.

For publicity.

I earn 3 times what I made at Polnick's.

- Did you dump him? - He dropped me.

He bought a laundry.

Listen...

Life is still beautiful.

We'll start off again together,

but on the right foot, this time.

You'll see, it's going to be great.

Look,

we'll pretend I just met you.

I brought you here without knowing you beforehand.

Nothing has happened between us.

We're starting from scratch.

I promise to do my best.

A whole week in Berlin to bring this back? Thanks a lot!

- We've seen worse. - Not in my club.

Don't wear yourself out.

We're sending them back on the next plane.

My new boss was called Maxime Kerman.

He had put on more than 50 shows in Paris, New York and Vegas.

He'd been bankrupt 11 times and made a fortune 12 times.

I found him fascinating.

Everything led to believe he was.

Claire was happy and asked for nothing more.

But I did.

I'm a perfectionist.

You know,

I've been thinking of this for a few days:

What if we got married?

Don't you want to be my wife?

Do you take as your husband M. Ferdinand Thibault?

Yes.

Well, my girl, I've got 5 washing machines.

Women bring in their laundry, put some money in the machine,

come back and pick up their laundry.

I don't do anything.

He'll have to invent a money counting machine!

Try to start the engine.

We must've blown a gasket.

Well, are the young newlyweds having some mechanical trouble?

Oh, Mr. Kerman!

I wanted to get to the town hall but with phone calls, traffic jams...

- Mrs. Thibault, I presume. - Yes, for 3 hours.

Maxime Kerman. Congratulations!

- I think we've blown a gasket. - It'll be best to leave your car here.

- We'll get it towed tomorrow. - Take her to Paris and send a mechanic.

I'd prefer to stay with you. I'm sorry.

Totally understandable.

No, you'll get soaked and catch cold.

You have to go home and get some hot toddies ready

or I'll divorce you.

Be careful.

Come on.

- We'll send someone out to you. - I'll be waiting.

A blue Dauphine, broken down just after the turn-off back there.

- Please go as soon as you can. - Sure thing.

Before dropping you off I have to make a slight detour.

- I hope you'll excuse me. - Where are you going?

Champs-Elysées.

So, I'll take a taxi from there.

We live in an impossible neighbourhood.

Contrescarpe.

I'm sure you don't spend your evenings there.

I've spent more there than you have.

When I was your husband's age I had a room on Lomond.

Did you?

I was even a student. I wanted to be a lawyer.

Then some friends opened a bar in the Latin Quarter.

A sort of "jazz club". I took care of it.

And now, I sell strip-tease, electric guitar music...

Illusions.

Fred is delighted to work with you.

He was lucky.

Yes, I really think he was.

That's enough, thank you.

Next.

And here it is!

- You found it amusing? - Oh yes!

- Who's your agent? - Mariani.

Have them call us, before noon tomorrow.

Very well, sir. Excuse me, Miss.

No, I should apologize to you, sir.

Thank you, Miss.

I'll remember this the next time.

I'll get married in Paris and I'll take the metro.

Next time, it'll be at the Madeleine,

with the red carpet, the singers, the whole deal.

We'll be rich.

- I'm going to be working. - Where's that?

At Club 22.

And what are you going to do there?

Look after the cloakroom? Sell cigarettes?

I'll be in the first show.

I'll have my name on the marquee.

In small letters, but it'll be there.

I showed Mr. Kerman and Hubert what I could do.

And what can you do?

Pick pockets.

What?

What about the car?

Totalled!

The next day, we bought a new one.

A helluva deal,

thanks to one of Claire's old friends, a certain Maurice.

A week later, we left Contrescarpe and moved onto rue François 1er.

A simple swap,

thanks to another of Claire`s friends, a certain Robert, this time.

Friends and more friends, amazing deals, insignificant swaps,

we spent 3 million in two weeks.

It's just an advance on my contract.

They'll take it out of each cheque.

Kerman and Hubert agree.

Well, if Kerman and Hubert agree...

She has a 6 month contract.

After that, you'll have to pay it back really fast.

And if it doesn't work out, after all, Claire isn't a singer.

She's not a thief either, but she steals.

Why wouldn't she sing?

For the publicity photos I told him you preferred this one.

And what did he say?

He prefers one of these three.

He's paying.

Did you speak to him about my raise?

- Yes. - And?

No.

Oh, OK.

You seem a little tense.

Don't you like the soup?

It's bitter.

What's wrong?

I feel as though you're supporting me.

It really bothers me.

Kerman is giving you an advance of 3 M but won't give me a raise.

So much the better.

That way, you'll quit.

Photographing the performances... You're better than that!

Remember? Bailey, Cartier-Bresson?

You must do what you want to do,

without thinking about money.

I want you to succeed, to become someone.

- And that's how I'll do it? - You're silly!

They say I'm both deep and shallow

That I lie and tell the truth

At the same time

That's what they say, but they say so many things

You'd have to be really smart to figure it all out

When I know who I am, who I am, who I am

I will tell you, I promise, I promise

I promise

I promise

But please don't try to understand

Whether I'm too soft or not soft at all

You'll get lost and so will I

Life takes me wherever it wants

When I know who I am who I am, who I am

I will tell you, I promise, I promise

I promise

I promise

That was great, except the beginning.

We'll work on it again tomorrow.

- You were really terrific! - No, you're both terrific.

Not going to kiss me?

I'm going to change. Come and join me soon.

It was the beginning of a new life.

Claire was happy, and as for me...

It's great, if you're ever broke, she can pick pockets on the metro.

My wife came home at 4 in the morning and got up mid-afternoon.

Once in a while we'd meet in the kitchen at the end of the day.

I'd have dinner and she'd have breakfast.

It wasn't exactly the kind of married life I'd dreamed of.

But I had hated Claire's first job so much,

that I had to pretend to like the second.

Kerman wants me to perform in another club after 10 p.m.

The Regent.

I'll double my earnings.

What do you have to say about that?

But I didn't have time to say anything.

Even before it was signed,

the new contract had been transformed into carpets and curtains

and a whole load of useless things.

And into what was, for Claire, the indispensable proof of happiness:

a convertible.

Finally, on my birthday, the surprise to end them all:

My dream studio.

From now on, I'd work for myself,

or rather, for her.

Well, my friend!

If I'd had a set-up like this,

I wouldn't have finished up in the laundry business.

I would've signed on with one of those rags: "Life", "The Times"...

And you're complaining?

She's working when I'm sleeping...

We never see each other anymore.

I miss our apartment in Contrescarpe,

Polnick Pictures...

Me too. Well, I miss it on your account.

If you want to change your life, you have to change your wife.

You should have married a real sucker like me.

With a tiny apartment and a bike.

All very well to say that...

Claire is the kind of woman a lot of men need.

Perhaps she's going a little fast for you,

but she loves you.

She does still love you, doesn't she?

Well, yes... Yes, I think so.

So, what are you complaining about?

I promise

- You stood me up this afternoon. - Sorry, I was busy.

You!

Yes, me!

The old proverb is right:

"Out of sight, out of mind."

I expected something else after our 18 month separation.

- What? - I don't know. A look, a gesture, some surprise.

I am surprised since you've ignored me for so long.

Now, that hurts!

You're not asking me how I am or where I've been?

No.

But I can tell you where I got out of.

I was there a whole year, with no goodwill packages, nothing.

You could have taken care of the lawyer, couldn't you?

- Perhaps you weren't in Paris. - Oh shut up, I've been to hell.

- May I? - No.

Canada, d'you know what that is?

Forty below in winter. And those winds...

Try and cross the street and you're blown away.

D'you remember Theo? That's how I lost him.

- What a cruel loss! - It was Christmas night.

We were on a job. Theo was the look out.

There was a terrible wind.

I didn't find him until May.

I buried him over there.

A long way from Bougival.

Finished your roll-call of the dead?

Then, please excuse me.

- Someone's waiting for me? - Who would that be?

- My husband. - Listen, sweetheart, I'm your husband.

Don't you remember?

10th May 1962, Montrouge Town Hall:

"Will you take Mr. Louis Brady as your husband?"

You're not going to tell me you've forgotten?

Surely you wouldn't have got married again?

That would be stupid!

Because for bigamy, you land in jail for 2 years.

And if I'd ratted on you, you'd have landed up there...

That's true. You acted like a real guy. I appreciate that.

That's why we can talk man to man.

Oh, Louis, with your fancy words, your old tricks...

What is it you want? Money?

I'm going through a bad patch.

That damned winter, Theo's death.

And then, when I got back I found my house underwater.

A real flood.

- And Martine went to live on a kibbutz. - No kidding!

Now, she's driving a tractor.

See, I can still make you laugh. Like always.

We could've been an act!

We were: Brady and Partner,

any type of racket, appointments over the phone.

That's all finished.

- Well and truly finished. - "Well" as far as you're concerned.

- Do you want some money? - I want a lot of money.

Well then, you won't get any.

Fred will find out I was married, because I'll tell him.

Then, I'll get a good lawyer.

And who'll pay for that? Kerman or Hubert?

They're both very nice, Kerman and Hubert.

So the Brady circus is dead, long live the new clown!

Mme Thibault and her duo, matinees Monday and Friday, in the hotel...

- Shut up! - The apartment, the studio...

Does he really think you earn the same as Aznavour?

He'll find out that you earn your real money during the intermissions.

You bastard!

How did it go?

Same as usual.

Hello.

Speaking.

I was just thinking about you. I need 5M francs.

Where on earth do you think I can find 5 million?

Are you kidding me? I asked you for 5M, not 1M.

If you'd given me a little more time....

Whenever I've done that, it's never worked out.

Just 1M for a car like that! You're the Queen of Hearts!

I sold it in an hour.

OK, well I'll try and come up with a bit more cash.

I'll give you whatever I can get.

Then you'll leave and won't tell Fred.

Why?

If you do, I'll kill you.

Well, for heaven's sake, if that's love...

Love, respect. You can call it what you like.

In any case, I forbid you to get involved.

I've never cheated on Fred.

Oh really!

Well, you know what I mean.

Kerman and Hubert wanted something. I did too.

So we worked it out.

I only gave them what I've given to other guys:

a young woman, not bad-looking a good partner

who knows when to leave.

An hour with Hubert or an hour at the hairdresser's...

It's Fred who really counts.

With him, I feel as though I got married in white.

Everything is clean and neat.

I won't let anyone touch it.

Right, well you get me another 4M and I'll leave you your whites.

If not, I'll bring out the dirty laundry and we'll wash it together.

No, you wouldn't do that. You can't do that.

- Listen, I'll go looking... - Don't just go looking.

Find something!

I could pay you back in 2 or 3 installments.

You know you couldn't.

I thought you were a woman who knew what things cost.

But you're over-valuing yourself.

No-one can stop you from talking to Max.

- What did you say to him? - What did I say...

The same as I've said to you.

What I'm going to have to tell Fred.

Suddenly, I really don't want to talk to anyone.

- I want to die! - Oh, come on!

Tomorrow, if it's nice I'll take you to lunch at Montfort.

Max offered St. Germain. I want to die, not to eat!

Stop thief!

Stop thief!

Stop thief!

- Wait a sec. I'll think that'll be all. - Shall we come back tomorrow?

- Call me around 10. - OK.

Well, what's the matter with you?

We have to leave or I'm going to go mad.

Are you sick?

- Your hands are very cold. - Fred, I don't want to lose you.

I'm sorry, but I don't get it...

You don't want to lose me! What are you talking about?

- You want to leave, to go where? - I don't know, anywhere.

We don't see each other anymore, we hardly know one another.

And soon, you'll see, we won't love one another anymore.

We're living the lives of idiots.

Happy idiots.

We've got an apartment near the Champs-Elysées,

a parking space,

a radio, a stereo...

I thought you had everything you wanted.

Claire...

Look at me.

Anyone would think you're scared.

What are you scared of?

Oh, Fred!

Do you remember when you told me: "We're starting from scratch"?

I believed it, you know. I assure you, I believed it.

I still believe it.

But I beg you to take me away.

There'll always be something here.

You're right.

- We have a second chance at something we missed. - Really?

We didn't have a honeymoon, did we?

- Where do you want to go? - I don't care.

- Rome? Venice? Madrid? - Wherever you like.

Right.

Oh, Fred! You're terrific!

Terrific, right.

Hello? Air France? Listen...

- When do you want to leave? - When we've packed our bags.

I'd like 2 seats for Rome.

For tonight. Oh, it's full.

What about Madrid? Yes. Great. 2 seats.

Just a minute. Have you got the car?

- No. I took it in for maintenance. - Very well.

Thibault. T, h, i, b, a, u, I, t.

Thank you.

And there we are.

We just have to call back to cancel.

Why?

We're tied up, my poor sweetie.

You can't just walk out on your job.

Of course I can.

Kerman agrees.

Look... he even gave me a month's advance.

So, you can't be trusted.

That's discouraging.

- I couldn't get the money. - So I see.

Well, it sure is nice at your house.

You're making progress, getting some class.

He's coming back. Please leave, Louis.

No way. I came to see him.

Let us leave. Please. I'll send you the money, I'll manage.

Listen...

Listen, I really want him to stay out of all this.

Do you understand?

One day, we'll leave each other for sure.

I'll come back to you.

I swear I'll come back.

So please give us a chance.

Let me lie to him a little while longer.

It's true that's what you like to do.

But I'm all for honest, legal, proper situations.

Having 2 husbands is not legal. Being a kept woman, not very proper.

And that your little sweetie-pie unknowingly benefits, not very honest.

At least like that it would all be sorted out.

Either he takes his medicine, or we'll be back in business.

Back in business? Poor guy.

Be careful. Always be polite!

I'm going to make a café au lait.

Do you want one?

Don't bother. I can find the kitchen.

It's true, I always find everything.

What kind of coffee pot do you have?

It's not as good as the kind of percolator

that I've got in Bougival.

I'll bring it over.

Claire?

What's the matter?

What's happened?

Brady.

Why?

Why?

I didn't want you to know.

And she told me everything I wasn't supposed to know.

Absolutely everything.

What an insidious poison the truth can be.

The woman I loved had cheated on me while we were at our happiest.

And at the very instant that she stopped lying,

I felt a long dark night descended upon us.

Her hand was icy cold,

but I knew from now on I would be holding it for ever.

English subs: Nocturne for KG