Original subtitles

Men travel in manifold paths

Whoso traces and compares these will find strange figures come to light

It rains a lot in Paris, and it’s always cloudy

So they say

Luckily, you don’t like the sun

Yes, I do

Just not as much as you

I’I| visit you anyway

You’I| meet me at the station with your umbrella.

Okay

You won’t be late?

You won’t leave me on the platform

Stop it

Who knows?

We see each other every day and then

Who knows what might happen?

Maybe you’I| forget about me

Yeah, right

I think I forgot something

What did he forget? His bag’s going to be too heavy

Come see us, okay? We’re usually here on Saturday

Yes, of course

Croissant? They’re fresh from the bakery at the traffic circle.

You walked all the way there? -lt’s good for my legs.

We’re going to miss Etienne

Where would you like us to drop you off on the way back?

At my parents’ house, thank you

Buy whatever you like with that

Thank you

Well, good-bye, Etienne

Bye

Good-bye, honey

Keep in touch, okay?

Enjoy yourself

Once I get settled, come visit. Okay?

Go on

I almost forgot. This is for you

WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Is it the right translation?

Yes, it is

So you’lI think of us

Of you

A PARIS EDUCATION

A Little Bohemian Castle

Hi. l’m Etienne Tinan

Are you OIivier’s replacement? -Yes.

Valentina

Come in, I guess

As you can see, this is the kitchen

This is the largest room in the castle

for parties, binges, and general madness

There’s one tonight if you’re interested

There’s even a piano

Why? Do you play? -I just started.

Cool

Is Olivier your friend?

He’s the son of an acquaintance of my mother

I hope you’re as nice as him

Me too

Don’t look in there. That’s my room. It’s awful

Come on. You’re over here

This is your room. Simple, clean, calm

So what are you doing here?

Film studies, at Paris 8

I heard that’s a good school

Yes, we don’t just learn theory. We make a lot of short films, too

Cool. l’m studying at the Beaux-Arts

Do you know anyone in Paris? -No.

I don’t know the city either

There’s not much going on here compared to New York and Berlin

People stick to themselves here But we have fun.

Do you like to have fun? -I think so.

You think? You seem like the serious type

Don’t worry. I like to have fun

I can’t stand your “I’m a feminist, but also conservative--”

Not at all

On a political level, I agree with these girls

I just question their methods

No, you can’t -Sure he can.

If you start taking a little here and a little there

These girls do it all: feminism, politics, performance, music

I think the real problem

is that Tolokonnikova promotes her supposedly revolutionary book

while modeling in Moscow

The real problem is, she pisses you off

Do you know Pussy Riot?

I heard about the punk prayer they performed in a church.

You like images. What do you think of their videos?

I like film, not images

Sorry

I just mean images and film aren’t necessarily the same thing

What’s the difference?

She’s free. That’s her feminism

Society is uncomfortable with her political ideas.

That’s true

She went to prison for a single action

Her previous actions are what made this one important

She didn’t go to prison for showing her breasts

I know someone at Paris 8

Mathias Valence

Mathias Valence? Yes. Brilliant guy.

The kind who will argue all night about something

Harsh, uncompromising. He has principles

I run into him at parties now and then

He likes me because I love Boris Barnet

You like Barnet?

Surprised, aren’t you? -Pleased as well.

Excuse me

Hi, Lucie. Can you hear me?

Yeah. Did I wake you?

I wasn’t sleeping. lt’s barely midnight

I felt like talking to you. How are you?

Good. The apartment is nice So is the room.

What’s that noise? Are you at a party?

No, my roommate, Valentina, invited some friends over.

Hello? Can you hear me?

Is it fun?

Yes, it’s fun

What are you drinking? Juice?

Do you think l’m going to change overnight?

Maybe not overnight

Don’t worry. lt’s going to be okay

I miss you already.

I miss you, too, very much

I think about you all the time

Four days before the primaries

today’s political news is Emmanuel Macron’s candidacy for president

which could distract from Sunday’s vote

ls his candidacy pointless

or is he a troublemaker who will disrupt

Yeah. Lucie

Where’s the film department? -I don’t know.

The registrar’s office? Is it past the escalator?

I have no idea. Sorry

I think it’s safe to say that between 1945 and 1975

Italian cinema was one of the most prolific in the world

Imagine you had Fellini Antonioni, Rossellini,

Ferreri, Visconti, and Pasolini

Carmelo Bene was more experimental

Risi, Comencini, and Monicelli were doing Italian-style comedy

Corbucci, Leone, and Solima were making Westerns.

Cottafavi and Freda were doing peplum

Mario Bava and Dario Argento were doing horror, and the list goes on

You see?

The entire breadth of cinematic creation was concentrated in a small area

achieving consistently high quality

How do you explain this?

Some say that Italy, traumatized by its actions during World War ll

found a way to rebuild its honor

that it was a kind of second Italian Renaissance

Consider how difficult it is to name a 19th-century Italian painter

after centuries of productivity

We’d be hard-pressed today to name a single Italian filmmaker

of the same caliber as those I’ve just cited in any genre.

Paolo Sorrentino?

I don’t see any connection with the masters I just mentioned

though he does try to imitate them sometimes.

Mario Martone?

Commendable, but nothing more

That brings us to our subject

Dario Argento

In the 1970s, he was the creator the Murnau if you will,

of a genre known as giallo

a combination of horror, crime, and erotica.

Can you think of other filmmakers who made gialli?

Go on, William

It seems to me like we only ever hear about Dario Argento.

We forget about great filmmakers like Umberto Lenzi,

who inspired Tarantino’s lnglourious Basterds

Aldo Lado or Sergio Martino

Their films contain incredible murder scenes

There’s an electricity, astounding visual effects

and a hypnotizing morbidity

that I don’t think has ever been equaled

not even by torture porn or rape-and-revenge films

Well, of course there’s Chainsaw Massacre and Angst

which I think are spectacular

What do you think?

He’s a childhood friend. We get along but we have different interests.

I like hearing all this stuff

I learn a lot. lt’s really not my thing at all

He might be your friend but the guy’s a loser.

He’s the very picture of modern mediocrity

one of those people who praise regressive stuff

and try to convince you that Z movies are as good as the rest

They have no problem selling out

He’s made a few gory short films that people have liked.

He’s going to do well -See?

But regression is everywhere

Last year, one of the schools held a Goldorak colloquium.

Yeah, it sucked

You’re going to get along with Mathias

You have a lot in common. He and William can’t stand each other

How long have you known Mathias? -Two years.

We’re different, but we champion the same kind of cinema

I met a guy who told me he’s very harsh

Harsh, but in a good way. And he’s harsh with himself

He’s his own worst enemy

What are his films like?

l’ve seen two. They’re very beautiful and very short

He doesn’t show them anymore He says he’s moved on.

When is he coming?

You never know with him He’s like a gust of wind.

Maybe Paul Rossi’s class. He likes him

If I see him, I’Il mention you

Have you made any films?

One, with my girlfriend and some friends lt’s not done yet.

Can I see it? -If I finish it.

Robert Bresson lived there on the Ile Saint-Louis.

Is that where he filmed The Devil Probably?

Yeah, or near the Pont-Neuf

We’II go there later if you like

So do you like it? -Yes.

Does Jean-Noél like Bresson? -Of course.

So does Mathias. But I still haven’t met him

He hasn’t been to class in almost a month since school started.

Can I meet them?

Next time, yes

A month is a long time

Toolong

You don’t have to say anything right away

lt’s okay

lt’s just hard to do on the spot, but

No, it’s. -What?

lt’s really beautiful

I know the story, but l’m not sure other people will get it

Is that a problem?

I don’t know

We should know by the third scene that she’s not coming back.

Otherwise the ending isn’t very powerful

What?

The brother is really good

Maybe you can cut him a little more

It would emphasize his pain

Okay, but I can’t cut everything

Do you want to stop working? -No.

I can tell it’s not done yet

Keep going, Etienne

I know it’s going to be really good

Are you okay?

Let’s wait a bit

If you want

Can you put some music on?

Bach?

Of course

My internship is going to last longer than I thought.

Three months?

Almost

We won’t see each other until

March

-We’Il wait. lt’s hard being apart

I feel abandoned -Abandoned?

I feel alone here, too

But you wanted to be here, away from me

I don’t want to be away from you

Film work is in Paris That’s just how it is.

l’m a small part of your life now

Let’s stick to the plan

I make some money, our parents help us, we get a studio

That’s a long way off, and it might not even happen

I don’t know

I think l’m afraid of Paris

You’Il get used to it quickly

You might

Have you seen my book on Francesca Woodman?

What are you doing in the dark?

Oh, sorry. I heard music

Sorry

That’s Valentina

She just walks in here like that? -No.

We’re just friends. What did you think?

A pretty girl just walked into your room

Lucie, please. Stop it

What time is it? I have to catch my train

The Enlightened

Thank you, William

Before we discuss your short film would you like to say anything?

I’d prefer to hear the others first

I just want to say, it was impressive and funny

lt’s not overdone and

Our films tend to be heavy and this one wasn’t.

Bravo. It makes me want to make films

It makes me want to vomit

Mr. Mathias Valence

You arrived in the middle of the screening.

You didn’t see the whole film

I saw enough, sir

You’re so predictable. l’m surprised you even watch my films

I didn’t know there was a screening

There you go

I wanted to be wrong about your first films

but they’re worse and worse

You’re an ass. We’re sick of your insults

We’re going to stop there

Why don’t you tell us what you hoped to achieve

And if you’re too irritated to listen Mathias, you can leave.

I’d like to know how he’s going to explain that this is cinema.

You still haven’t realized that film has changed,

that people have changed

Are you going to bring up The Tracking Shot in Kapo” again?

Your ideas are old. Dead! They’re not even yours.

Why don’t you try thinking for yourself?

I know how to think for myself

Yes, my ideas are old, not dead, but very old

Prehistoric even

You’re being pedantic again

What’s this about prehistory?

Cave painters didn’t paint because they were bored with life

They didn’t understand their surroundings

Painting helped them live. It was like a magic ceremony

to apprehend the world, death everything.

That’s why it’s beautiful

And that’s art. It always has been

Why do you make films?

You don’t know

What do you yearn for?

Why isn’t it in your film?

All I see in your film is your need to please

lt’s fashionable, so it’s dead Stone dead.

Is your lesson over? You want me to write you a thesis?

This discussion is going nowhere

You’re better off continuing after class if you so desire.

All right, Mathias?

William?

I’d like to say I think William’s film is really well done.

It looks like a real film

l’m not good with technical stuff, and I think it’s technically awesome

Could we talk about that?

About technique? If you like

William might be a poser but he’s not a bad guy.

He’s not calculating. That’s just how he is

You’re a softy, Jean-Noel Beaumont

He’s been saying that since we met So what if I am a softy?

Remember, he liked your films

So what? Even if he liked Carl Dreyer it wouldn’t redeem his films.

What do you think of him?

The same as you. I feel less alone when I hear you

Why do you want to make films?

I don’t know. I’ve wanted to for a long time

I couIdn’t tell you exactly why

Libération is still talking about Verhoeven

Did you like his last film?

Yeah, it was pretty good

lt’s incredibly overrated

Like Fincher and all those guys lt’s rehashed.

lt’s warmed-over, contrived

How does it compare to Vigo or Ford?

It doesn’t, does it?

Bye

Bye

I don’t think I passed

Don’t worry. He’s not easily charmed

And he likes testing people

I can’t stand that guy. Hey

Have you met Etienne? -No.

Hi. l’m Solange -Hi. l’m Etienne.

Are you friends with Mathias? -Not yet.

He was in my class last year I had my fill.

I can’t stand pretentious loudmouths

I think he says what everyone should say and think.

Do you want to revolutionize cinema too?

I just want to make films and make them well.

Better put your nose to the grindstone -Indeed.

Hey, tiger!

Are you going to eat me alive? -Sorry.

You haven’t fucked in a while, have you?

You wanted revenge -What?

Tell me the truth

You didn’t appreciate what I said did you?

lt’s no big deal

You admit it

You were mad at me

I resisted you

You fought hard

-And you got me. Happy? I didn’t realize it bothered you

Not at all. Quite the opposite

I loved the fight. Thank you

I have to go

You don’t want to stay?

I never stay. l’m always on the move

I was always running away when I was little.

Also, I have a boyfriend

Where did you get this sweater?

Luckily you look smart The rest is debatable.

That sweater’s fine

I’m just kidding

Don’t play the tough guy lt’s for your own good.

Bye

Bye

Bye Bye

They just keep coming

Can I listen?

Of course. I’m not keeping you up?

No. I like it

What is that again?

Gustav Mahler

we in Death in Venice -Right.

Tadzio

Aschenbach

The pursuit of inaccessible beauty

I’m massacring it. Sorry

That girl earlier, it was nothing

I love my girlfriend

We’ve known each other a long time

She’s all I think of

Someday We’re going to live together in Paris

lt’s going to be wonderful

Do you still watch his films? -I try to.

I like his early movies from the 1970s

They’re not as good anymore, but

I can’t watch them anymore

l’ve had enough of whiny French films

They’re just as bad as the vulgar American stuff

That’s harsh

They’re cookie-cutter films

There’s no madness, no risk, no taking chances, no fun in any of it

-No scandal. Right, no real scandal

Not scandal made for television or social media

I want to see films that talk about real life

The real scandal would be to see you and me, all of this

in all its innocence,

in all its radiance

And in all its horror, too

That would really hurt, and it would be exhilarating

Is he still here?

What a bore, surrounded by his cohorts

Smart-asses who fake everything in their petty films

They’re just glad they sell

Anything that sells. Make money, make a hit

They’re obsessed with making hits but they’re just rip-offs.

He’s pathetic

What do you do?

Are you one of his friends? -Not really.

Maybe you’re the pathetic one

Oryou

Or me

Awesome conversation

Fascinating guy

If you say so

Have you seen Hélo`|`se’s films?

Yes, they’re good

They’re amazing

I love what you do

You succeed in making films that recreate life.

Your films really measure up

They’re powerful

Thank you. You make beautiful films, too

I can’t hold a candle to you Ido what I can.

I salute you, young ocean!

Cheers

Why are you blushing?

Did you hear what he said?

Classical music is emotional

There’s something-- You tell stories, you create images

lt’s powerful

For example, rock is intellectual music

Because

Jean-Noél?

Cheers

I really like classical music

Have you seen Mathias?

Mathias left

Is he coming back?

-No idea. He seemed to be in a hurry

Have a good night

Brother Etienne

Are you sleeping?

Come in

I saw the light on

but I knock now, to be safe

Have a seat

Is the film coming along?

Yeah

I just got back from a party

Me too

Do you have one for me?

-I have two left. Let’s share them over a drink

Alcohol free, right? -No.

Oh, really?

Surprise me

What’s the occasion?

Nothing. ljust feel like it

Shall we toast? Look me in the eye

Shit. This is strong

lt’s not for Iightweights

-The Provincial Letters? lt’s by Pascal. Do you know him?

I must have read Thoughts in high school

He wrote these letters to prove the Jesuits were frauds

with a morality built on ambiguity

What do you mean?

They claimed you can have faith without love

that you have the right to lie

lt’s called mental equivocation

You have the right to tell someone a lie

as long as you tell God the truth

lt’s doublespeak. Pascal hated it

Why are you reading it?

I did philosophy before coming here

I studied Thoughts

But I hadn’t read this one. I love it

So you agree with Pascal?

lt’s hard not to

What if we did a test?

What?

To see if your ideas are in line with your actions

How?

You’ve never told me if you like me

I like you a lot, Valentina

So?

So, what?

Why don’t you show it?

You like taking it slow?

I love Lucie. l’ve decided to be faithful

Why are you laughing? lt’s not funny

The way you said that, so serious

I made a simple statement

You were super serious. Believe me

Okay, I sounded serious. So what?

If you say that in a serious tone

it means fidelity doesn’t come naturally to you

That tone of voice is a moral shield

You don’t play it straight

Listen, I cheated on Lucie more than once but I don’t want to anymore.

Okay

So the only faithfulness that matters is to yourself.

That doesn’t sound like Pascal That sounds ambiguous.

I was with a guy for three years. I know what it means to be faithful

I’m asking you if that’s what’s most important

Yes, it is

Now you’re lying to yourself -I’m not.

First of all, what does it mean to cheat?

If the other person doesn’t know

is it still cheating?

More ambiguity

You’re with a girl. You start seeing another

Neither knows about the other They’re both happy.

Where’s the harm?

Will they be happier if they know? No

If you see just one, will you give her more than you give each individually?

Because you give each of them

different things

Would you be happier?

No.So?

You know where the problem lies

Neither knows about my double life

Do they know everything about you when you’re faithful?

Do they need to know everything about you? No.

Transparency is a fascist illusion

Maybe. To me it feels like breaking a contract

Anyway, there’s no denying

betrayer or betrayed, they’re both awful

Maybe

But it’s no worse than betraying yourself

If faithfulness to another means faithfulness to yourself, fine

Otherwise, it’s the same thing Pascal criticized the Jesuits for

Iguess

Etienne Tinan

you know I’m leaving for Berlin in January.

My friend Annabelle is taking my place

Why are you changing the subject?

I’m not changing the subject

What are you trying to say?

Nothing

Maybe she’ll have better luck with you than I did.

You should develop the connection between Chekhov and Naruse.

lt’s very interesting

Descriptions of everyday life of ordinary people.

I think they share a certain pessimism too.

And there’s this idea that art can offer momentary relief

but not safety

Keep going. lt’s worth exploring

When is the new draft due?

In a month or two

Okay, great

How’s your short film coming along?

l’ve just started. I think I have an idea

If you’d like me to read it, I might be able to give you advice

Okay, thank you

How are you settling in?

All right. l’ve made some friends

No financial problems?

Things are tight. I’m looking for work

Do you know about student services?

Yes. l’ve been there

What about Paris? Are you getting used to it?

Slowly

You’lI see, you’ll start working make beautiful films,

and you’ll never imagine living anywhere else.

Thanks for the encouragement

I’Il be waiting to hear from you

Good-bye

What time does it close here?

I don’t know -Thanks.

Jean-Noél told me you made a film -Yes.

I’d like to see it

lt’s not finished. I’m not sure I want anyone to see it

lt’s good to show each other our films

It can help things along

You don’t show yours anymore

I’m the past

You’re the present and far more important

All right -Great.

Bye Bye

I haven’t forgotten you -I don’t believe you.

Why do you say that?

You aren’t listening -I am.

I have to go. I have shopping to do

I’m going to a party tonight -A party?

AtAlain’s

He made it into the opera chorus

He’s so happy. He’d given up hope

The great thing is, he’II be able to get me in

l’ll go to concerts every night

lt’s going to be a big party, with lots of people.

I’m going with Benoit. I haven’t seen him in a year.

He sent you a message, but you never responded

Etienne? -What?

-I’m boring you. You’re not boring me

I have to go -Already?

Does Bach still make you think of me?

Of course, Lucie. I haven’t forgotten you

Take care

You too

How are you? -Fine.

I got your letter. I was worried

I’m glad to see you -Oh, yeah?

I don’t know.

I didn’t tell our parents

Just like a good little boy.

I do what I’m supposed to, Alice

I got your letter. I was worried

I’m glad to see you -Oh, yeah?

ldon’t know. “Meet me on the 12th where we played as kids."

I didn’t tell our parents

Just like a good little boy.

I do what I’m supposed to, Alice

Ask me anything and l’ll do it

I’m pregnant

Alice!

Alice!

Come back!

Thanks. I mean, well done. lt’s good

lt’s not perfect, but there’s some great stuff in there

ReaHy? -Yes.

lt’s nice to see a film that isn’t full of Paris clichés

And not just because none of us are from Paris

That doesn’t mean it works, though

The sister’s monologue after her brother dies is too literary

lt’s a caricature of lamentation

lt’s careful and meticulous, but it doesn’t feel like death

-lt’s a literary death. I didn’t want it to be naturalist

lt’s not a question of naturalism

It sounds wrong

Like the music in the opening scenes it’s just there for emphasis.

That’s literature too -You’re being unfair.

The music is daring

It underlines the action, but there’s a slight discrepancy

I don’t agree about the monologue I think it’s moving.

A long monologue is rare after a character’s death.

But it sounds fake

There’s a price to pay for truth You’re not paying it.

I don’t agree with you

I don’t agree at all

Jean-Noel must be in love with you He’s lost his sense ofjudgment.

You can be in love and have a sense ofjudgment

Apparently not

Screw you, Mathias Valence

Now there’s an argument

l’ve always figured you were homophobic

You’ve outdone yourself

Can we talk about your film?

I have quite a few things to say

Yes, of course

Etienne has a girlfriend, and I don’t stand a chance

You can be in love and know you have no chance

So?

That’s the story of my life. I have loads of unrequited love

All I ever get are quickies in corners

How do you know that won’t change?

A crumb of comfort. Thanks

We’re being too easy on him He gets what he deserves.

Really? Explain then, Liberty Valance

l’ve told you a hundred times you’re a softy.

You fall for anyone who comes your way

Get a hold of yourself. Toughen up

Things will get better. You think this is going to help?

WILL O’ THE WISP

Are you suicidal?

Some psychologist you are

And you’re a tough guy

refusing to look at that girl over there so she’ll look at you?

Wrong, Jean-Noel Beaumont. I know her

Actually, I need to talk to her -So he knows her.

Can I read your next screenplay? -So he can destroy you again.

I’m sure it has potential I might be able to help.

When will you show us your masterpiece? So we can pick it apart.

I’m rewriting the story line as I edit

What’s it about?

I might figure that out when it’s done

Have you read Flaubert’s letters on writing?

-No. lt’s all in there

Mr. Tinan

Mr. Beaumont

Bye

l’ve never seen that girl

I hear he gets around, but he never talks about it

He’s very discreet. I don’t even know where he lives

He wants to read your screenplay so your film wasn’t shit.

Or he just wanted to make me feel better

He’s not the type

He saw something he likes in you

Like I did

Thanks

I hope you weren’t upset by what we said about you and me

Don’t worry

I think I’m getting sick

I’d better be getting home

You won’t finish the game?

You’re leaving me here?

I’m kidding

Go home, Tinou. Get some rest

What’s with the long face?

-Are you okay? You’ll never guess what I just did

What did you just do?

I destroyed my film

Done. Trashed

You destroyed your film?

A year’s worth of work doubt, fatigue, pain.

Why did you do ther?

Because it was an awful film

Now you’ll make another one, a better one So there.

Right

You’ve never bothered to ask what I like doing

Here it comes

Etienne Tinan is a navel-gazer

Fine, I’m wrong again. I beg your forgiveness

When are you going to show me your work?

There’s a group show in the spring

I’m warning you, though you might not like it.

I’Il be there. I promise

You haven’t slept. You should get some rest

Sleep? Today? I don’t feel like it

That’s Bach

You recognize it?

lt’s all you listen to

Should I change it?

No. I like it

You know I’m leaving for Berlin in a few days.

I’m going to miss you

AnnabelIe’s taking my place

She could never replace you

Do you mean that, or are you just being nice?

I mean it

Well

if we don’t kiss now, we never will

Let’s kiss

Really? You want to?

Even if you’re not in love with me?

Yes

Wait

What?

What color are my eyes?

What is this, Valentina?

I just want to know if you’ve really seen me

They’re green

Am I right?

Obviously

Let me see

More important things await

Yes?

You have a visitor

Hey, buddy. Feeling better?

Yeah, it’s good to see you

Jean-Noel told me you were sick

lt’s been four days

I hope I’m better Monday. I found a job

Here

THE LETTERS OF GUSTAVE FLAUBERT

Take this, too

LUTHERAN LETTERS

It will help you focus on the good fight

Thanks

Thanks a lot

Can I smoke? -Go ahead.

What a face

When I was little, I spent weeks in bed I had very bad asthma.

I read a lot

That’s when I developed the desire to write, to make films

I didn’t have any books, so my sister brought them from the library.

Elise

I loved my sister

Now she’s a total right-winger

Fillon and whatnot

I don’t know what happened. Maybe it was

the guys she hung out with

I never see her anymore

We don’t even talk

There’s no point talking to people you don’t agree with.

No one changes their mind during an argument.

Or even starts to doubt

Le doux Gérard

I like it a lot

We lived in a strange time

It was a time of action, hesitation and idleness

shining utopias, philosophical and religious idealism

a faint enthusiasm mingled with an instinct toward renewal

impatience with past dissension uncertain hope.”

That’s not bad

Yeah

Not bad at all

l’ve been thinking

My internship’s longer than I thought Your life is in Paris.

l’ve visited three times in four months

You came here once and spent your time at home

Can I say something? -Let me finish.

Your friends are what matter most to you and I never even met them.

You almost never call

When we talk, you’re distant You’ve changed.

-No, I haven’t. Yes, you have. A lot

I’m not sure you love me anymore

That’s not true. I still love you, Lucie

I could cope with the cheating before but things are different.

I can’t anymore

-Let’s be honest. What do you mean?

I’m going. This is too difficult

-Let’s Skype later on. I don’t want you to see me cry.

Lucie, I love you. Do you hear me? I love you.

We should stop seeing each other. lt’s best for both of us.

Let’s talk later

l’ll make the decision for us if I have to.

I’Il come see you next weekend

No, don’t come -Lucie.

Thank you

Are you okay?

You don’t look well

I’m not

I was wondering

What?

How do you know something’s worth it?

When what’s worth it?

In general

There’s always a price to pay. How do you know it’s worth it?

ls that philosophy or for a crossword puzzle?

I’m serious

lt’s worth it when it can’t be any other way

Something like that, right?

WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Daughter of Fire

So this is the Tuileries

lt’s beautiful

Do you want to go to the Louvre?

We don’t have time. We can’t miss our train

We can visit one or two rooms I do that sometimes.

Maybe next time

Your father’s legs hurt

His last venous ultrasound wasn’t great

I hope you don’t smoke. Don’t make the same mistakes he did

Your apartment is nice. I liked it

lt’s a change from Lyon -Yes.

Lucie came to see us last week

How is she?

She’s had a hard time getting over your breakup

lt’s been hard for me too

I liked that girl. I’d gotten used to her

Six years is a long time

I call her sometimes, but she doesn’t pick up

She’s protecting herself

-What about your film? lt’s coming along slowly

What counts is doing it

At any rate, I wouldn’t live here

lt’s beautiful, but it’s so noisy

We’II get on the metro here

You know the city now

A little

THE LETTERS OF GUSTAVE FLAUBERT

How’s it going, HéIo`|`se? -Good.

I was wondering... Mathias made me want to see your films

Could I?

Sure. I’Il give them to you

Great, thanks

Are you working on another one? -Yes.

I’m having trouble editing I shot without a story.

It was amazing. I felt so free

But now I’m writing the story as I edit

I’m not sure it works. lt’s stressful

-What about you? I’m trying to write

lt’s all clear in my mind, but I don’t like anything I write

I get blocked for hours. l’ve written a few pages

l’ve got to get going -See you.

See you

I picked up a DVD of Khutsiev -Really?

Let’s watch it at my place

At 6:00 p.m. I have a meeting now

Sounds good

That means the guy doesn’t watch films in the dark

Every day on a computer screen

Hold on a second

Hi. I’m Etienne, your roommate

Annabelle

I’m getting rid of stuff. This room is suffocating

Can I help? No, thanks.

Hello -Hi.

See you later? -Okay.

Did you see that shot?

When you see it like that it looks so simple.

lt’s really beautiful

Yes?

Am I bothering you?

Not at all

I wanted to ask you about the apartment

There’s no hurry

What are you watching? -A Russian film.

Marlen Khutsiev. Ilyich’s Gate

I don’t know it

Do you want to watch?

Join us if you like

Yeah, okay

I don’t care about degrees

I’m enrolled in classes, but I hardly go

I love sociology, but I prefer taking action

You’re an activist? -Yes. I try to be.

Something has to be done

I liked it when the father’s ghost tells his son

he has to figure things out for himself

That’s honest

lt’s like that today

Our fathers failed. They gave in to everything

They left the planet in a dire state

and it’s up to us to save it and ourselves.

ExacHy

What are you doing about it? -Making films.

You think that’s enough?

Should we feel guilty?

You can make films and take action in real life

Films impact real life

You believe that? You think cinema can save the planet?

It certainly won’t destroy it

But politics, compromise, and abuse of power all wreak havoc

Not if we take grassroots action

I’m not fighting to establish yet another corrupt government

We’ve seen what became of the pseudo-revolutionaries from ’68

They switched sides to follow the power

Our concern should be addressing tangible problems

Mistreated refugees, devastated lands

lt’s a humble goal

Together, these actions might lead to something bigger

You don’t find that idealistic?

-So you do nothing? I told you. I make films

Political films?

A film isn’t meant to deliver a political message

Film is political when it has something honest to say

And not just for yourself

but for the viewer who might be impacted by it

be it now or later, here, or elsewhere

What makes something honest?

Something that speaks to an honorable life worth sharing

lt’s how you film human beings

but also the sunrise, trees, snow, the world.

That’s too vague. lt’s aesthetic. It only addresses part of the problem

Dreams must become reality and reality a dream.”

NovaHs -Right.

If no one does anything to save trees

to stop industry from destroying the earth

filmmakers won’t have anything to film

Why can’t the two be compatible?

Why can’t filmmakers and activists each do their own thing?

Too easy

You don’t solve urgent problems, where people and the earth are suffering

Your films should show that

The problem is, activist films are made like commercials

You film a refugee or a shrinking ice pack just like Total films its oil rigs.

Who cares?

What matters is educating people so they take action.

If people who want change think just like their enemies

there is a problem

If the guy who makes a film about refugees feels the same as the CEO of Total,

there’s a problem

A dignified life must pass via the senses

lt’s not an ideology

A film should communicate that the world is a livable place

When I see activist films, how they depict people and the world

I just want out

Not everyone is an artist like you

The activists who fight while you’re off making films

aren’t necessarily poets

But they’re changing things

We’II see if it’s for the better

You know what I think? You seem out of touch with real life

You lecture about life, but you live yours through film

You live an armchair life

It doesn’t have much to do with what happens to real people

Annabelle, do you know this music?

I don’t know. Maybe

Gustav Mahler

lt’s in a film I’m sure you’ve seen

Artists aren’t obliged to save the world in the way you describe.

Maybe if they had several lives

They do what they have to do. They create

That’s how they save the world

Romanticize the world,” said Novalis who you seem to like.

That’s simplistic thinking

When Matisse wanted to serve France in the war, Marcel Sembat told him...

You can serve your country by continuing to paint.”

You’d have sent Matisse to war

I would never send anyone to war That’s nonsense.

Mathias

Don’t take it personally

Mathias has integrity

Good, so do I

We’re out of wine -That’s too bad.

Then it’s time for a song

Dear friends, gather round for Sylvie

by Erik Satie

She is so beautiful

My Sylvie

That the angels

Envy her

Love, on her delighted lip

Left

Its sweetest kiss

Her eyes are large stars

Her mouth is made

Of rubies

Her soul is the height

Of a clear sky

And her heart

ls my paradise

Her hair is black

As shadow

Her voice as sweet

As honey

Her sadness is twilight

And her smile a rainbow

She is so beautiful

My Sylvie

That the angels

Envy her

Love on her delighted lip

Left its sweetest kiss

All right. I’m going, too. I’m beat, guys

Until next time

Bye Bye

Get home safe

-Here. Thanks

You know, Mathias, he’s got integrity

but only in words, not in life

And what pretension

The conversation just took a bad turn I’m sure you agree at heart.

Where’s he from? He might as well be from Paris

Bordeaux

Jean-Noél is from Clermont. I’m from Lyon

We sound Parisian?

No, that’s stupid. He just acts like he’s the center of the world

Where are you from?

Poitiers

My last name is Lit, as in “bed

Annabelle Lit

Like in the poem by Edgar Allen Poe “Annabel Lee.”

The beautiful woman-- .“the angels still envy

Yes, I know

But I’m more down to earth. Like a bed

I drank too much

I’m beat. I’m going to sleep

Good night

Good night, Miss Lit

What about that reporter?

l’ve made contact. She’s reliable

She’s going to pass along the information

There were no reporters the other night -What happened last night?

A fight

The cops were taking blankets again

Those guys are cold, things are tense, they fight

The problem is we don’t have enough of anything

People in the neighborhood are furious

I can go to Montrouge tomorrow for supplies

Check with Denis, but it’s going to be tricky

What are you writing? -lt’s for his film.

Can we get some coffee? -l’Il get it.

So what do we do? The cops are going to kick them out

We resist. We publish the images People will support us.

With enough of us, it could work

Except they’re getting more violent

They think they can do whatever they want

With the elections, they won’t want trouble

Even so, there will be arrests

What do you suggest then?

We can negotiate to gain some time

There’s no point negotiating No point at all.

Are you looking at my face?

lt’s not a pretty sight. I’m exhausted

l’m looking at you because I’m impressed What you do--

You could do what I do

No, I don’t have your courage

and your... selflessness

I want to do this

I don’t stop to think about courage or selflessness

I’m glad you wanted to come with me

Next time, I’II take you to a camp

You might want to get involved

and prove to that friend you admire so much that he’s wrong

Sure

I don’t always agree with Mathias -I don’t believe you.

I’m beat. You want to get a drink?

Yes. Can I take you to a film after?

To discover something new

Why not?

It was wonderful, like being in a chiIdren’s book

That little boy had such a sweet face

I didn’t think you liked it, or that you were too tired

I fell asleep when it was too intense

When I woke up, it was even more beautiful

There was a time when I’d wake myself up at night

just to remind myself how amazing life is when we open our eyes.

This film was a bit like that

I was worried you’d find it too abstract

No. Infact, I liked the tangible elements

The fabrics, the cloth, the carpets the stones-- all of it.

What did that bourgeois behind us say?

That she didn’t like static films without dialogue

That idiot should keep her mouth shut

Thank you. I had a lovely evening

Now Annabelle Lit is going to bed

Good night, Miss Lit

Good night, Mr. Tinan

Give me your opinion If I like it, we’II talk.

I can write whatever I want?

That’s why you’re here

You decide what’s worthwhile

I told you, I liked your test synopsis

You were tough, but you made your case

You’re going to see and read a lot of bad things.

ReaHy?

We receive dozens of poorly written series about the Resistance,

shows like Ushuaia, Hanouna

You get the idea

That’s not what you’re after

Let me be clear

We want innovative projects Otherwise, we get bored.

-True. I do, anyway

Do you have a cigarette? You can smoke at the window

Sorry. I finished my pack

Oh, well

You never know. Maybe you’ll find us a diamond in the rough. Who knows?

Good luck -Thanks.

I live, by day, full of courage and faith

and, by night, die in holy fire

Have you seen Mathias?

No. I don’t know what he’s up to

He must be working on his film

I don’t know

I heard he was spaced out, wandering the streets one night

I’m going to call him -He won’t pick up.

Let him come back on his own

There he is

I love this place. I come here a lot

Do you like it?

Are you okay?

Yeah, sure

That one’s not bad. He looks mean

Apparently, my life would be easier if I looked mean

WouIdn’t you rather be nice and read my screenplay?

I’d like your opinion

I’d love to. That means a lot to me

I haven’t been able to write lately

Let’s go see the monkeys

Here’s your coffee

Thank you

Barbara

Sorry. Thank you, Barbara

You’re welcome

Barbara?

I’m glad to see you

I was wondering what you were up to

Nothing much

There are days when human misery makes it hard to breathe.

Is your job going well? -Yes.

I write summaries of bad series lt’s boring, but I need money.

What do you do for money?

I get by. I work as little as possible

No matter what you do work is exploitation.

I don’t want that

You want to get some air?

lt’s nice here

lt’s pretty

Have you been here?

I rarely take walks in Paris

I have a new life in Paris. I wanted it for a long time

But I was alone before

It was easy to think I had talent

Now I feel very ordinary

I’m not sure I have anything to say

lt’s normal to have doubts in the beginning.

I hope so

If you have to make films you’ll make them.

I think Mathias does more harm than good

He’s charming, but he’s also destructive

Not necessarily

Do you think he’s talented?

l’ve known plenty of guys like him They’re all talk.

Everyone says he makes beautiful films

I’d like to see them

Forget the other night. You’ll see he’s a good guy

He puts the bar high

but it’s not destructive, it’s motivating

I hope he’II like my next film I hope you will too.

Do you want to read what l’ve written?

I’d like to know what you think

I don’t know much about film

It doesn’t matter. lt’s not very long. Twenty pages

Would you?

Would you?

If you want me to

What is it, Annabelle?

What’s wrong?

Are you okay?

I don’t know

Your eyes, they were

Sorry. l’ve had a bad day

Was it something I said?

lt’s nothing

lt’s the confidence you place in me

lt’s almost... childlike

When you look at me like that, I feel

lt’s too much. I feel small, worthless

What you do is amazing

I told you. I’m not Annabel Lee from the poem

I’m practical, unromantic even

Believe me

Since We’re both practical, maybe we can help each other

Maybe we’II achieve what Novalis said

I live, by day, full of courage and faith

and, by night, die in holy fire

We must look so pathetic sitting here

Maybe. But who cares?

Good night

One last drink? -No, thank you.

Okay, wait -What?

Just a second

Oh, right

The Cheater.

That’s the working title

Okay

Good night

Good night

Jean-Noel, how’s it going?

Not good. ljust got some bad news

My father died

He died today.

Was he ill?

He had a heart problem, but nothing

Well, yes, he had a heart attack

I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say

Don’t apologize. No one knows what to say in these situations.

Death comes as a surprise

I know how it is. I was with my grandfather when he died

I drove him to the hospital We were on a farm.

I took care of him, changed him

I got used to it, like a little soldier.

I called-- I’m not after anything I don’t want to bother you.

ljust wanted to tell you because

you’re my closest friend

That means a lot to me

Tell Mathias if you see him. I don’t want to leave a message

Of course, no problem

If you need anything, tell me

That’s kind of you. l’ll be okay.

See you soon, Etienne

Okay, take care

Thanks

-Hello, sir. HeHo,EHenne

I wanted to tell you I found those books on Japanese cinema I told you about.

I can lend them to you

They’re quite heavy. You should stop by to get them

-Thanks. E-mail me for a date

-Good-bye. See you soon

I came to talk about Annabelle lt’s indecent. I’m sorry.

It’lI take my mind off my father

I’m not sure she’s such a great girl after all

Why?

Volunteering doesn’t make her infallible

After all, she’s sleeping with Mathias

who doesn’t treat others very well including his friends.

He doesn’t know how I feel about her

She doesn’t either. l’ve never met anyone like her

Of course she’s attracted to Mathias He’s the more interesting one.

You’re going to make me piss myself

Go on, play

“More interesting ”

I’d like to see his film

Speaking of films, I read yours I like it.

I’m notjust being nice

I’m glad to hear that

I can help you out with casting location scouting...

Really? What about your film?

I can’t write. l’II do it next year l’lI enroll again.

Besides, I need action

What’s going on, Annabelle?

lt’s over. I dumped that jerk

Bye-bye, Mathias

I don’t ever want to talk about it I just want you to know it’s over

Now I can breathe

take care of things, leave this city full of assholes

There’s nothing natural here I need nature.

I’m leaving tomorrow to meet a friend in a protest camp

It’lI be okay

What are you doing?

Sorry

You think I go through guys like I go through underwear?

No, it’s not

What’s with you guys?

What am I doing on your bed?

I didn’t mean to do that

Why are things always so messed up?

Doesn’t anyone know how to be in a relationship?

lt’s always superficial. We constantly delude ourselves

We’re wrong about everything

lt’s pretty sad, really. It makes you want to shoot yourself

What do you want?

You want to kiss me? Fuck me? What for?

You leap at every chance you get

What do you think those girls want?

You don’t think they want something besides a fuck?

lt’s not like that

What then?

If it’s not that, what do you feel when you fuck a girl?

How does it make you feel?

Be honest for once

See? You won’t even answer

Nothing honest to say

Why are you looking at me like you want to hit me?

You’re treating me like a child I don’t need your preaching.

I’m not ten years old. I’m sick of it

Come back. I didn’t mean to hurt you

Did you sleep well?

Can I get you anything?

There are still things to improve lt’s too abstract in places.

For example, scene four-- the guy who goes home drunk

When my grandfather was drunk really drunk,

he drank a lot of water right from the faucet.

Alcohol made him thirsty

You have to include things like that

That’s what makes it tangible real, surprising.

I had some ideas for actors I’II show you photos.

Do you like the jam?

My aunt made it, with real blackberries

she’s ahead of Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH.

Why not rank the world’s poorest people while they’re at it?

William found a producer for his first feature film.

I never thought he’d make it so soon

When I think back to high school

Then again, he always does his best

“OnIy the mediocre--” are always at their best

Who do we have to thank for that?

Thank you, Mathias Valence

Would it bother you if I stayed here a few days?

Yes, it would bother me a bit because

No!

Of course it doesn’t bother me You can stay.

On one condition. Shut up about the girl

Okay

Anyway, I’m happy. lt’s going well

Each issue has a theme. There are many political columns

I take care of research, and I do some translation

My boss is a nice guy. I think he appreciates me

I’m happy you agreed to see me

I missed you

I miss you

I also met a boy at the newspaper

We’ve started seeing each other

Do you love him?

Yes, maybe

lt’s probably better that way

You didn’t think we’d get back together did you?

No. I think about you often

You’ll always be my deepest love

The first

First love isn’t necessarily the deepest

Yes, it is

You don’t believe that

l’ve given it some thought

and I’m not sure you really loved me

What do you mean? Don’t say that

You only ever loved cinema. You sacrificed everything for it

Actually, you only ever really loved yourself

You know that’s not true

You’re saying that to feel better and to hurt me.

No, you’re mistaken

I don’t want to hurt you

And thinking that about you hurts me much more.

All that lost time

I know you, Etienne

You’re going through something difficult

That’s why you insisted on seeing me so I would comfort you.

You’ve always confused me with your mother.

That’s nonsense

A boy’s first love comes just after his mother

lt’s confusing

Did you read that in your women’s magazine?

Sorry

Me, too. I’m sorry

Are you going to see your parents?

No. I came to see you

I’m going this way

Bye

Ladies and gentlemen, l’II be your crew chief today.

My team and I are happy to welcome you

aboard this TGV bound for Paris-Gare de Lyon

The Black Sun of Melancholy

I don’t feel anything either

She really feels something She really loved him.

We have to see it in her eyes

I don’t feel anything either

lt’s been a while. lt’s probably normal

She’s protecting herself

lt’s been a while. lt’s probably normal

Maybe if I hold you, we’Il feel something

I don’t think so

Can I try?

If you like

This is stupid

Let me go

Okay. Good

That’s it? -That’s it.

When do you think you’ll get back to me?

In about two weeks

Bye

Bye Bye

What do you think?

She’s all right

Really? I liked her

She’s too reserved

She was nervous, but I think she could be powerful

We’Il have a look at the tape

I feel like the text is a little too literary

Could you tweak it for tomorrow? -I can try.

I don’t think I can shoot without you

Do you want to help with the actors with everything?

You want me on location?

If you want to and you have time I can’t do it on my own.

Helping others is probably what I do best

Thanks. You’re a lifesaver

We never hear about people like you who help others.

History remembers certain names,

but amazing, indispensable people work alongside them in the shadows

Without them, the people we remember would have accomplished nothing.

JAPANESE CINEMA

Do you like it?

Yes. lt’s not what I expected

Maria Yudina had some character

She stood up to Stalin

She left behind unorthodox recordings of Mozart, unlike any others.

l’II listen to them

Thank you for introducing me to her

lt’s a change from Glenn Gould

That must be my son

Would you like to eat with us?

Yes, okay

Have you heard from Mathias Valence?

Not in the last two months Maybe he left Paris.

He’s an odd kid, but talented

I hope he stays on track -He will.

More wine?

Thank you

l’II get dessert

My father always shows concern for the same kind of student.

What kind is that?

He’s a lefty, like my mother. Very left

Almost oddly so, with this concept of “positive discrimination.”

What are you trying to say?

He likes to help those who start out with little

You know what I mean

I like Etienne not only because he’s a nice kid

but because I believe in his talent and intelligence

Of course

I appreciate young people who believe in something.

Oh, really? What is there to believe in today?

Life on Mars, since it’s impossible here?

The game isn’t over. Not everyone gives up without a fight

You should apologize to Etienne

Don’t speak to me like that

I’m sorry if he offended you

Don’t take it personally I’m the real target.

Do you get along with your parents?

We don’t see each other often

You don’t get along?

We do

But we’re very different

But they’re kind

They’re helping with my studies

though they know it will push us further apart

You take mushrooms, butter

big shallots, garlic, parsley, and grated Parmesan

I don’t like mushrooms -I prefer a big steak.

A big steak. How can you still eat meat?

I love it

You wouldn’t if you saw the slaughterhouses

Maybe. You never stop lecturing lt’s annoying.

That’s why it didn’t work out between us

You know he’s not your type

Go on. You were at grated Parmesan

Life’s a bitch

You think?

Garlic, parsley, grated Parmesan -Butter, shallots.

First you have to wash the mushrooms and remove the shafts.

That’s too bad

Stop interrupting me

Jean-Noel and I are working out the casting

-What about you? I finished editing.

I won’t film without a story again lt’s too...

I really got myself stuck

I found something by Tarkovsky that helped.

Do you know the story of the Japanese painter?

A court painter travels from province to province

In each province, he uses a new style and a different name

He’s able to remove himself completely and create a form of impersonal art.

In doing so, he accesses something deeper because he’s done away with the self.

That allows him to find a direct connection with the world

A loose, infinite freedom

I like that idea. It really opened my mind

So you’re done with personal films?

No. But I also want them to be impersonal

l’ve said enough about my life

Haven’t I?

I like your life

What is that?

Frangois’s parties are always weird

How many are there?

A little rabbit

They’re really well done

Are you okay? You don’t look well

Hey, how are you? We meet again

So you know each other?

We sure do. How are you?

I didn’t see you -I just got here.

lt’s good to see you. lt’s been a while

l’II get some drinks

I thought you left Paris. I wasn’t sure I’d ever see you again

Are you kidding? I wouldn’t disappear like that

I needed some peace and quiet to work on my film.

lt’s almost finished

l’II show you soon

I’m really happy to see you

I want to hear about you. Let’s head out

You want to leave?

We’re not in good company

Come see

Yes, William

Jean-Noél, meet Audrey and Héléne

lt’s the other way around

Let’s go -O kay.

We should have asked Jean-Noél to come

He’s fine with William

lt’s rare we get to talk in peace

Relative peace

Hear that rumbling?

lt’s silence I miss in Paris, not nature

Do you go back to Bordeaux often? -No.

I’m from a little town just outside lt’s pretty boring.

So you prefer Paris?

I always feel like life is happening somewhere else

like I’m a tourist of sorts

I feel a bit like that, too

Isn’t this tower beautiful?

Yes. Breton. Nadja

Especially Nerval

This was his neighborhood

“I am the gloomy one, the widower, the inconsolable

the Prince of Aquitaine in the ill-fated tower.

My only star is dead

My constellated lute bears the black sun of melancholy

He hung himself nearby

Where?

Rue de Ia Vieille Lanterne. Come on

Where’s the street?

It cut through the prefecture

intersected this road, the theater

and continued on to the Seine

lt’s gone now

No trace of “doux Gérard

He’s all around us now, everywhere

It might be quieter over there

It feels real sometimes, doesn’t it? Like the world exists for us alone.

Cinema can make those moments felt

Make it apparent that it’s here that We’re here in it.

That’s what’s wonderful

It makes life easier

It makes survival possible

That’s political, too. It doesn’t have to look like propaganda

Have you heard from Annabelle?

No. And it’s just as well

I don’t want to be harsh but she’s impossible.

She’s a bit unsettling

l’ve known people like her

They say We’re pretentious when they have an answer for everything

They come out all right in life, not us

Still, she’s brave

Do you really want to ruin the evening?

Did you hurt yourself?

I’m fine

Sorry for laughing

lt’s okay. I’m going home. I’m beat

Can we meet up soon?

Of course. I missed you

I want to read your screenplay

Send it to me. l’II tell you what I think

Okay, great

See you

See you

You’re still up?

Do you have a ciggy?

I don’t know

Cigarette?

Good luck with work. Good night

Good night

Hi, Mathias. Here’s the latest draft

Let me know what you think See you soon, Etienne.

“Against all this, you need only, I believe

do nothing other than simply continue to be yourselves;

which means to be constantly unrecognizable

to forget at once the great successes

and to continue unafraid, obstinate

eternally contrary

to demand, to will

to identify yourselves with all that is different

to scandalize and to blaspheme

Do you still want to shoot in black-and-white?

No. Color is better

We have 12 extras for scene 15 ls that enough?

What do you think?

lt’s fine. Decide fast if you want more

We start in three weeks

Have you heard from Mathias?

No, why? You want to give him a walk-on part?

I sent him the screenplay. He hasn’t replied. He must hate it

He probably hasn’t read it

Egotism is practically second nature to him.

You know what? He doesn’t see us as being on his level

He sees us as less than him He doesn’t owe us anything

We’re his friends

He feels bad telling me my film sucks

I’m telling you it’s going to be great -Thanks, but...

Mathias’s opinion is more important? -No, but it’s different with us.

We’ve always been more

More what? Emotional?

I was in love with you and so I can’t be objective?

I want both your opinions That’s natural, isn’t it?

Of course it’s natural

But if my opinion mattered more you’d be confident.

But all you do is doubt. You even doubt Paul Rossi

He only bothered because I’m a pleb

What are you talking about? lt’s clear what Rossi thinks.

You like being unhappy

You’re always unhappy. Cut it out

-Why are you taking that tone? Because you’re pissing me off!

Why are you so upset? Everything’s fine

No, it’s not

Jean-Noél Beaumont. Talk. I’m listening

Jean-Noel, it’s Etienne

I don’t know what you’re up to lt’s scaring me.

Come on, call me back

Hello -Hey.

-I’m looking for Jean-Noel. I just came to get his stuff

Can you tell him Etienne wants to see him?

He mentioned you. I don’t think he wants to see you

Did he say why?

I’m not getting involved

I have a right to know

I don’t know what’s going on between you

but he needs some space to find his bearings.

He says his friends are holding him back

Tell him I’m sorry I hurt him but now he’s hurting me.

l’II tell him

No, don’t. There’s no point

He’s an idiot for doing this. Bye

Are we sure we can shoot in the café in Belleville?

In principle. The owner is nice l’II stop by again.

Do you have a new shooting script?

We figured out most of it We’lI improvise the rest.

The more we can plan ahead, the better

I know

Let’s stop there. We’II be in touch by phone

Tomorrow, 9:00 a.m., Avenue Trudaine

l’II send you the call sheet

Stanislas?

Will David be there tomorrow or not?

Can I talk to you? -What is it?

I know where Jean-Noel went

ReaHy?

He’s casting William’s feature

How do you know?

I know someone in production

Has he talked about us?

About you. And Mathias

What is he saying?

Hélo'|`se and I think you should know

You have to stop torturing yourself

Fine. What did he say?

That you know nothing about life

That you’re pretentious, self-centered

a bourgeois aesthete

and that you always looked down on him

That’s insane -I’m sorry.

I think it’s disgusting

But we’re going to make a good film

That’s going to piss him off

See you later

Yeah, see you

Thank you

You knew it was coming

Not like that

He was my friend. What did I do that was so horrible?

Say good-bye. Forget about him

Your film is all that matters now -lt’s shit.

You don’t believe that

I don’t even know why I want to make films

Why did I come here and leave the people who love me?

What right did I have to do that?

Are you done? -No.

Your films are alive. They have presence

My stuff is dead

I believe in you

I’m glad to be your assistant

I’m going to learn a lot for my own work

lt’s too late anyway

Everyone’s onboard. You can’t back out now

Hélo'|`se? -Yes?

Cancel everything. I’m not coming tomorrow

Etienne, if you don’t show, l’II drag you over myself.

Hello, Etienne. lt’s Dad.

You could call us now and then

Everything’s fine here

We hope you are, too

that you’re doing well,

and that you’re happy with your work in Paris

We can’t wait to see your films, of course.

We love you. This was Dad

Shut up

Etienne, move your ass and open the door

I’m not leaving

Etienne, open up

You can’t back out now

GOOD LUCK, BUDDY. TO BOTH OF US. MATHIAS

You’re pissing me off!

lt’s good, but you’re walking too slow

I thought he was ruminating, sad

Yes, but you’re walking too slow

I can walk faster, but I want to know why

Is this okay?

Everything okay? -Yeah, sure.

Is Etienne okay?

He’s fine. Don’t worry

l’II walk faster. lt’s just the character

If you go home, you’ll want to jump out the window

So you don’t drag your feet You’re trying to survive.

Let’s go

Everybody ready?

Camera

We’re rolling

Clapper

The Cheater. Four of three, third take

Action

EHenne?

Barbara. You don’t remember me?

I do. I just didn’t expect to see you here

We didn’t get to talk much

Here’s our chance

Yeah

How are you? Still working there?

Yes. You’re not coming back?

It was just to make ends meet I can’t spend my life in TV.

What are you doing now?

I just shot a short film. lt’s done

I’m exhausted and a bit lost lt’s the comedown.

Are you happy with it?

It was better in my head. We’II see once it’s edited

-I’m sure it’Il be great. Really? That’s nice of you

At the office, everyone said you wrote intelligent, useful commentary.

A film isn’t commentary

You have an artistic temperament

You put yourself down a little too

Too what?

Like you’re playing it up a bit

Maybe I am

, _ In any case I m glad I ran into you J

lt’s rare here. lt’s so big

Are you from Paris? -No.

I’m from Reims. I got here six months ago I’m studying English.

I wanted to see the capital, but I’m not sure it’s won me over

I might be a country girl after all

Parisians are the ones who talk about the country, not us

When I lived in Lyon, I didn’t say I lived in the country

If I sound like a Parisian already

Maybe you have been won over

Maybe

Are you awake?

I was looking at you

I liked you right away, you know

As soon as I saw you

ReaHy?

Don’t get attached

Jerk

Out of the question

I’m not good at these things

You think I am?

Yet you seem so serious

Much more than me

You seem to know what you want

You’re not messing around

Hello Hello

I haven’t heard from you How was the shoot?

Good. Editing starts next week -Great.

You might not have heard, but

something happened yesterday

People are keeping quiet to protect the family.

Mathias Valence... killed himself

He jumped from his bedroom window

Had you seen him recently?

No. This happened yesterday?

Yes

No one knows what drove him to it

Come with me

Let’s get some air

Do you want to play? -That’s okay.

Are you okay?

I lost a friend

I lost a friend. Do you understand?

He jumped out his bedroom window

I don’t even know where his bedroom is

He was my friend, and I don’t know where he lived

He said he had no place in the world

Now he’II be in Paris

l’II walk around Paris and think “He’s here somewhere.”

l’II never know who he was

who he was at heart

He was my friend, you know?

We had a unique relationship

and I know nothing about him

Do you have friends?

Do you know who they are at heart?

Who am I at heart?

Who knows?

I don’t even know

No one knows anything about anyone else

How can we help each other if we don’t know anything?

Maybe all we can do is listen

Without knowing, without understanding

Like you

You’re listening. You don’t understand a thing

But I know you’d like to

It helps to have you listen

Maybe that’s enough

Maybe deep down, that’s what friendship is

to just listen without needing to understand

Two years later

l’II finish it by Friday. I promise

Yes

Don’t worry. Mr. Danilo can read it this weekend

Sure

Good-bye, Magalie

Yes, I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?

I’m fine

Nothing’s wrong. I’m telling you, everything’s fine

You’re irritating me

Yes, you are

I told you I’m fine

I haven’t read many recent books, but l’ve been rereading the classics

In school, they told us Baudelaire was good

I didn’t care for him, but I couldn’t admit it

ljust reread him

and he’s really not that great

Rimbaud, yes

But Baudelaire, frankly

I like him

Brother Alexandre

Brother Alexandre

Are you sleeping?

Are you sleeping?

Morning bells are ringing

Morning bells are ringing

We can’t go any later. She won’t be able to get us

She’s picking us up over there

We’II set up, then head to the meeting

Etienne. What are you doing here?

I just noticed you

Some coincidence. How are you? -Good. You?

This is Melchior

Etienne was my roommate. He’s a filmmaker

Are you still making films? -Trying to.

l’II get the car

l’II meet you in five minutes

-Bye. Good-bye

I’m taking him to a protest camp He’s helping repair roofs.

You’re still at it then? -Yes.

We build, they destroy We build, they destroy

How are you?

I’m all right

I heard about Mathias

His mother called me. He left a note

He left me his books. I didn’t want them

It was quite a shock

For you, too, I imagine

Yes

Tell me what you’ve been up to

What can I tell you?

I live in the 14th arrondissement I quit school.

I failed the Fémis film school entrance exam.

I read screenplays for a TV production company

They want me to write a series

It would mean a lot of money I’m not sure.

I think I’m going to say no

l’ve been writing a feature for two years That’s what matters.

I’m having a hard time finishing it

I found a producer though

What about the short film?

I finished it

I sent it to festivals, but it didn’t win

Sorry for not getting back to you, but I had a lot on my mind at the time

I know

What about Jean-Noel?

I never hear from him

He’s working with a childhood friend

a director who made a successful first film

Are you making new friends?

A few, but it’s not the same

I’m really happy to see you again

l’ve thought about you often

I wondered if you were still in Paris if you’d achieved what you hoped.

I’m glad you’ve stayed true to yourself

I’m not surprised, though You seemed determined.

I’m happy to see you, too

We shared something powerful

I think about it often

I’m going to catch up with Melchior

I’m going to stay a while. I like being in cafés, alone in a crowd

See you around, Etienne

I hope so

THE PROVINCIAL LETTERS

THE LETTERS OF GUSTAVE FLAUBERT

LUTHERAN LETTERS

“Against all this, you need only, I believe

do nothing other than simply continue to be yourselves;

which means to be constantly unrecognizable

to forget at once the great successes

and to continue unafraid, obstinate

eternally contrary

to demand, to will

to identify yourselves with all that is different

to scandalize and to blaspheme

I’m beat. I’m going to take a shower

I have so many papers to correct

Are you okay, love? -Yeah.

Josephine’s selling her piano for nothing Are you interested?

There’s no room here

I know. For later

We’re not going to stay here forever

I’m not very good

Who cares? We’lI play easy stuff

For four hands. WouIdn’t that be nice?

I miss playing piano

If you like

Adaptation by Kate Robinson

Subtitling: HIVENTY