Original subtitles

THE SALESMAN

240 DAYS

Can you start with the ones in front?

They're being delivered and have to go to the beauty salon.

“The entire town holds its breath."

“Pulp-and-paper plant closes."

"Shut down indefinitely 239 days ago.”

240 now.

My brother wants to sell his house.

Mine too. He's awaiting the announcement.

They'll move to Montréal.

There are no buyers.

If everybody leaves...

No jobs in Montréal either.

The kids are planning a march with costumes.

The closure will probably be announced in spring.

Spring is here!

Listen, guys,

it's not closed yet.

Anyway, we don't work there.

We sell cars, not newsprint.

Right.

Winter won't last forever.

I need to clear out my lot.

I'm holding a sale

to get rid of our leftovers.

I want salesmen with smiling faces.

I want smiling faces.

Enough gloom and doom!

The sale starts Friday.

Marcel, did you close Mr Couture?

Not yet.

I want to take a minute

to congratulate our friend, Marcel Levesque,

top salesman in December, again.

It's no small feat. I wanted to acknowledge it.

Congrats. I'm proud and happy.

Thanks.

The champ!

Bravo, Marcel!

Bravo, way to go, Marcel!

Tell me your secret.

That I keep to myself.

Come with me, kiddo.

1 Salesman 2002

Stage 3 of your pitch are the specs.

Specs bore some people.

If they're not interested, just move on.

Circle the entire car,

in a clockwise direction.

That's important: always clockwise.

It leads you here, to the door,

when you first have the customer get in,

for the hands-on discovery stage.

The customer sits and starts feeling things out.

That's when you back off, you stop talking.

Then you go on.

You move in closer.

Show them the controls.

You explain the dash and make your pitch.

You present the vehicle's interior.

You recap your major points.

But give them a bit of time first.

Looking for a little car?

Does it come in blue?

Not blue. But I have azure. What you're looking for is azure.

Today, everything's white.

But if we look hard enough, we should be able to find azure.

If it'll make you happy, the salesman will find one.

Here we go.

Azure.

Azure's way prettier than blue.

Blue's a thing of the past.

That your last one?

My last one? No, sir!

I've got lots, but they're hidden.

I have a few left.

And in Quebec City, if I sell out today.

Otherwise I have ghost grey, garnet red, sage green,

thunder grey, galaxy black and absinthe.

And also azure.

But like I said, today they're all white.

Do you know him?

Sure I know him.

Need a little car, ma'am?

If I needed a car, I'd avoid the likes of you.

- 1-0! - It's cause she didn't get her kiss.

Come, let's chat.

And you, hop on!

Faster! Faster!

You can go faster!

I called a lady earlier. She said, "It's not even 10!"

Even my kids haven't called!

Who says nobody likes car salesmen?

And here you are, dear daughter!

Still taping?

Sometimes, for fun.

I hear where I mess up.

I can still improve.

Can you keep Antoine? There's no school.

Any time.

You working?

I'm alone at the salon.

Marie's sick. Caro wanted the day. So I'm it.

He nixed coming.

He wanted his Grandpa.

Smart man.

What's in that?

My new business cards.

C'mon! How many are there?

I don't know. Ten thousand.

Planning to work another 20 years?

This here is gold dust.

Rub it and the salesman

fulfills your wish.

Dad, you're 67.

Forget my retirement! I'm not dead yet.

Here, hand 'em out at the salon.

For your pals.

Give 'em away. Don't sell 'em. They're free!

I like seeing my friends.

You're a friend, I like seeing you.

You have to, my friend. I miss you.

You have no choice but to come see me.

No, I'm a salesman. I'm not an advisor. I sell cars.

Let's call it like it is, Mr Simard.

So you'll come see me?

No, they are sales advisors. I'm a salesman.

As a salesman, I wouldn't steer you wrong.

I'd never advise you to buy somewhere else.

What's up?

A customer is asking for caps. He wants caps.

A $50,000 pick-up and he's holding out for caps?

Well, if it'll make him happy...

A clementine?

We don't have any caps.

The company never sent me any.

I've got key chains, I've got coffee mugs,

but no caps.

Here's your caps!

How many?

Just one.

Thanks, Marcel.

Paolo!

Paolo!

Look!

It's a human!

Good lord!

You know where to find me.

OK, thank you. Goodbye.

They're calling for -30°!

They're always calling for -30°!

Well,

see you tomorrow.

See you tomorrow.

Here, I'll take it.

241 DAYS

Management cites market conditions to justify extending

the closure indefinitely.

They don't rule out selling the plant.

We can't deny that the paper market isn't very good.

That's their excuse.

The mood is glum.

Workers say the company isn't being open about the closure.

Everyone is very anxious

because the plant is

the heart of the community.

At one point the plant employed nearly 2000 workers.

Under 600 are left.

Last year the plant shut for 12 weeks.

What's infuriating is that every day loaded trucks drive away.

And the raw material belongs to us. We won't give in.

It's an integrated company. We'll fight it.

We'll get the plant running again.

Neighboring communities are worried about the closure.

- Math? - 82.

- French? - 92.

- Phys ed? - 93.

- Science? 92.

Geography: 74.

But the class average is 62.

And English?

We don't have English.

How come? English is important. If I spoke English, I'd be rich.

Tell your teacher: You need English to get rich.

Well, it does help.

Back to your bad eating habits, I see.

I knew you'd say that.

It's the first time I've had this since my tests.

You need watching!

Just once!

I want you here.

I know you want me here.

I don't want to nag.

Well, you're nagging.

It's your loss.

It's not my loss. It's the pig's loss.

Right, Antoine? It's the pig's loss.

Yes, Marcel Levesque.

Mr Jean! When are you picking up your little car?

Whenever, even if you're not in your Sunday best.

There's no rush. I'll wait. The dealership isn't going anywhere.

I'm not pressuring you. Not my style.

If I should sell it, I'm sure you'll find another one you like.

Do you mind if it's a different color?

There may be one in Quebec City.

Right. Bye, my friend.

I bet he comes in tonight with his wife.

Here, my friend.

Thanks, Marcel.

Still nothing for you? Fine.

Here.

Thanks, Marcel.

Quiet morning, Marcel?

We never stop.

I'm hiding from the customers.

Didn't I sell this pick-up?

The owner is

Paradis. Francois Paradis.

Is there a Paradis here? Francois Paradis?

His pick-up's in the bay.

Paradis, Paradis... Tremblay, Caron, Fortin, Paradis...

Paradis, you said?

Mr Paradis?

How are you?

Great memory you have!

Sure, I remember all my customers.

I sold you your pick-up, right?

A blue club cab, wasn't it?

It's in the garage.

You still have it? What's wrong?

Another transmission.

Time to buy a new one.

Too expensive. And I'm still paying this one off.

It's not too expensive,

not if you crunch the numbers right.

If we go over it together...

Depends how you look at it.

I'll buy back yours, which is costing you.

And if you lease instead of buy, you might be shocked.

We'd have to sit down in my office and work it out.

You'd be surprised.

And right now's the time to buy.

I've never seen deals like these.

It's always the right time, of course. Always. But now,

it's really worth it.

Still work at PB?

Laid off. You must know.

Yeah, we hear about it.

It'll all work out.

I'm not worried.

The plant's not going anywhere.

My dad worked there.

Not long, he had his own printing business.

But later...

What's the mileage on your pick-up?

Nearly 300.

Take one for a spin.

No, not today.

Not to buy it, just take it for a spin.

Drive it for half an hour.

It's more fun than waiting here.

I'm not taking it out today.

You stubborn mule!

I'm trying to be nice. It's your loss.

249 DAYS

Save our jobs

Days Out of Work

You won't get rich staring out the window.

Get us coffee. On my way.

We thought you weren't coming, Marcel.

I almost forgot you.

Here.

Not for you.

- Hi, girls! - Hello!

So,

what's my old man say for himself?

Got time for a trim round the ears? I'm going deaf.

- I thought so. - What?

I thought so.

See you tomorrow!

Y'know, Mr Barrette's been retired 10 years.

He's got a few years on me.

Not that many. He was 68 in October.

He sold his house to live in his cottage.

He wants to enjoy life.

How're things at work?

Know how many people came by today?

Two. And they were together.

I tell you,

it's not easy to clear the lot.

The future's none too bright.

You can't work forever.

I still have a few good years left.

As long as I can work, I'll work.

If your mother were still here,

maybe I'd think of retiring.

You're here.

So's Antoine. Otherwise, I'm alone.

What would I get from retiring?

Pull!

Pull!

C'mon, pull! Pull!

Looking for a little car?

Does it come in blue?

No blue, but I have azure.

It's called azure.

A horse is a fine animal. You can sell a horse.

How are you?

Great memory you have!

Sure, I remember all my customers.

I sold you your pick-up, right?

It's in the garage.

You still have it? What's wrong?

Another transmission.

Time to buy a new one.

Too expensive. And I'm still paying this one off.

It's not too expensive,

not if you crunch the numbers right.

If we go over it together...

Depends how you look at it.

Did you see this year's model?

Yeah, outside.

A real beaut, isn't it?

Quite the looker.

Yeah, but...

Still working at PB?

Laid off. You must know.

Yeah, we hear about it.

It'll all work out.

I'm not worried. The plant's not going anywhere.

- Keys to the Special Edition? - No.

Do you have the keys to the SE?

Not on the rack?

Problem with your little car?

- The keys to the SE? - Try Pierre.

Everyone says ask Pierre, but no.

Come see me. Bye, my friend.

Marcel!

Looking for the keys?

I don't believe it. For me? Thank you!

Have fun, my friend.

I'll wait here, then sell it to you.

Take a back road, see how she handles.

Take St-Paul to St-Pierre Rd.

Enjoy yourself!

Go along the river!

Thanks.

Mr Bédard.

Thanks.

252 DAYS

Lord, we praise you

and thank you for all the gifts you have given us...

nature's beauty, the countryside,

and most importantly, our health,

so we can enjoy it.

Keep us mindful

of our responsibility to respect nature,

to respect others and ourselves.

Make sure that while enjoying this sport,

we continue to grow under your watchful care.

Now,

I know that many of you

are worried about your future,

for your jobs.

I would like us all to pull together

to support our friends whose jobs are threatened.

These 600 workers,

our friends at PB,

need us to keep them in our thoughts.

When we realize we are not alone,

it makes it easier to get through tough times.

So, I'd ask you all to stay beside your snowmobile.

There are many to bless, but no problem.

I'll see everyone, don't worry.

But before I do,

I would like us all to pray to the Virgin Mary.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee.

Blessed are Thou among women,

and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb...

How is everything?

I come every year. It's fun.

Rum and Coke, please.

Mr Levesque!

We haven't seen you in church in ages.

Working hard? I miss you, my friend.

You haven't visited the lot either. If you miss me, drop by.

No time, with those two parishes we closed.

We have to merge our services.

But yes, I could come by.

Just don't take your business elsewhere.

Thanks.

Father, do you know my daughter, Maryse?

We've met, but we've never talked.

- A pleasure. - Me too.

Do you sell cars like him?

No, one salesman in the family is enough.

Maryse is a hairdresser.

And a great one at that.

If ever you need a cut, or just a trim, go see her.

She's too nice to sell cars.

My wife used to say,

women should avoid car dealerships

because those people are blasphemers and liars.

That's a myth, no?

Of course it's a myth.

I've told lies, Father, but I always dress them up nice.

Sure, beautiful lies.

I just want to help people.

I lie to make people happy.

When somebody needs a car,

I know they need a car.

I just have to persuade them.

Hot chill peppers in the blistering sun

Dust on my face and my cape

Me and Magdalena on the run

I think this time we shall escape

Sold my guitar to the baker's son

For a few crumbs and a place to hide

But I can get another one

And I'll play for Magdalena as we ride

No llores mi querida

Dios nos vigila

soon the horse will take us to Durango

Agarrame mi vida

Soon the desert will be gone

soon you will be dancing the fandango

Past the Aztec ruins and the ghosts of our people

Hoof beats like castanets on stone

At night I dream of bells in the village steeple

Then I see the bloody face of Ramon

Was it me that shot him down in the cantina

Was it my hand that held the gun

Come let us fly my Magdalena

The dogs are barking and what's done is done

The way is long but the end is near

Already the fiesta has begun

The face of God will appear

With His serpent eyes of black obsidian

No llores mi querida

Dios nos vigila

soon the horse will take us to Durango

Agarrame mi vida

Soon the desert will be gone

soon you will be dancing the fandango

Quick Magdalena take my gun

Look up in the hills that flash of light

Aim well my little one

We may not make it through the night

No llores mi querida

Dios nos vigila

soon the horse will take us to Durango

Agarrame mi vida

Soon the desert will be gone

soon you will be dancing

The fandango

My darling daughter!

My princess!

253 DAYS

The weekly report.

I had printer problems. We sent it to your computers.

We're still behind last year.

Since things are slow, I took out some ad space

to drum up interest.

Here it is.

You all got equal treatment.

We decided to use your pictures, everybody.

Joss, you're glaring!

What'd they do to your hair?

That's not the photo I picked.

Too late, it's already printed.

The important thing is the cars.

People won't notice that.

Don't forget, this deal ends Thursday.

See Jacques if you need details.

I have good news.

A call for tenders for some police cars.

A fleet for our pals on the force.

Marcel, I'd like you to handle this.

You have the most experience.

- Sure. - Here's the file.

We sure love those white cars!

A fleet?

Yep, greenhorn, a fleet. A fleet!

Have a great day, a great week!

Your picture's not bad, Joss.

A fleet!

He doesn't get it.

Whatever.

You'll end up selling shoes.

Mr Gagnon...

Oh, yeah!

Do you look more like your mom or your dad?

They take after their mom.

- What's your wife's name? - Nancy.

You sure Nancy doesn't want to see it first?

Yup.

Well, your financing application has been approved, big guy.

Glad?

The sales I've lost at the last minute because of wives!

You know, often for little stuff.

Details. The dashboard controls, the color...

But that's OK too.

If everybody always agreed...

Here and here.

we salesmen would be rich!

And now,

one last one, here.

Being well looked after?

He's our best. Congratulations.

If you ever need anything,

call Mr Levesque or me. It'll be a pleasure.

I'll let you sign the nuptials.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

And one last one here.

And initial here.

That's it.

Here, kids.

Pink, yellow.

We'll put it all in here.

With the little card.

And we can go home.

Here.

And here's my card.

Gold dust, 14 carat.

Not everyone has that.

If ever you need something, you rub the circle in the middle,

and the salesman appears to fulfill your wish!

He's at your service. He wants you to be happy.

Are you happy?

Yes.

We'll get it ready.

Send it to the beauty salon, get the plates.

Thursday you can come get her.

Kiss your wife for me.

Nancy, right?

- Thanks. - Bye, kids.

It's bedtime soon.

Too crowded here tonight. Think I'll call it quits.

254 DAYS

Company executives made no promises to plant workers.

An indeterminate period...

Even they don't know. They go day by day.

Our hope is, other mills have reopened after 2 years.

We're not giving up.

We're closed.

What do you mean, closed?

Closed. Closed for good.

I was fed up paying to keep the place running.

I wanted to wait out the winter, but patience has a limit.

My wife was losing sleep. It couldn't go on.

Nobody pulls in anymore.

When the plant suffers, we all do.

It's hard for everyone.

Only hair salons and bars are doing OK, but even them...

So I'm closing.

I'll have the land decontaminated so I can sell.

You can get gas at Tremblay's.

Wait, I have something for you.

A closing present. I have a bunch left.

Open the back.

Thanks, that's very kind.

It's been a real pleasure filling up here.

Thank you, my friend.

I've decided I might sell cars when I'm older.

Know what I think?

I think you'll be the best salesman in North America.

You could beat all my sales records.

You have to start young.

Start with small stuff.

Practice with your friends at school, selling hockey cards and gum.

I started with guitar picks for a nickel.

You have to like people.

You have to practice liking people,

and looking them in the eye.

When you look them in the eye, you see into their soul.

What's that?

What? A soul?

A soul...

You say your prayers...

I don't know what that is either.

How to pray?

You don't know how to pray?

Seriously?

Hail Mary...

I believe in God, the Father...

What do you learn in school?

To sell cars, you'll have to pray.

Why?

For luck. To make sure luck is on your side,

and the good Lord sends you customers.

You don't have to believe, but it pays off.

It's paid off big time.

Our Father...

Repeat after me.

Our Father

Who art in heaven,

hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

- Give us this day... - Our daily bread.

Our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And forgive us our trespasses,

- as we forgive... - Those who trespass against us.

- Those who trespass... - Who trespass against us.

trespass against us.

- Against us. - Right.

And lead us not into temptation.

And lead us not into temptation.

But deliver us from evil.

Now you know a prayer.

Now you know a prayer!

Don't tell your mom, OK?

Is that OK?

Who said I couldn't get you one?

What do you mean?

Yeah, sure.

I can get you the grey. It's in Quebec City.

Yes, exactly the same.

Never been driven in winter!

He just wants me to lose my sale!

I want you to be happy.

Yes!

My guy'll pick it up tomorrow.

Will a grey one make you happy?

Will it make you happy?

If it makes you happy, I'll get you one.

I'll take care of it.

I'll call you back in an hour, my friend.

Can Mr Tremblay pick up a little car in Quebec City tomorrow?

Why not? He's never free!

Do I have to go myself?

I need to pick up a car.

If not, I lose the sale. You know that.

Call me back.

I can go.

You're working!

I'm off tomorrow.

I'll take Antoine. We'll visit Quebec.

We'll stay in a hotel.

Nah, it's too complicated.

It's simple, I'll take the bus.

I'm doing it for you.

You'll lose your sale.

I found someone to get the car in Quebec.

Maryse. Yeah, my daughter.

Right. Bye then.

- You have the dealer's address? - Yup. Bye.

See you, big guy.

"Indeterminate" means they won't reopen.

It's a legal thing so they don't pay compensation.

Our contract calls for severance pay,

but not until they officially close.

In theory, since PB is protected by the Creditors Act, which complicates...

Lots of workers still hope

it's only temporary.

Personally, I don't really believe it.

We didn't finish school, but we're not total morons.

256 DAYS

More!

Back up! Back up!

Brake! Brake!

You're mixing me up, Marcel. Get away!

Don't worry. Use your mirrors.

Come on, back up!

Looks good.

Marcel!

Are they all parked?

Yeah.

You understand, my friend. I sell cars, that's all.

If I could help you...

It's not that I don't want to. I can't.

If I buy it back, you'll lose out.

I always Say, "The company has a thick hide,

the salesman a soft heart."

I feel for you and your situation.

Plant news is bad?

The union said to expect the worst.

Who can you believe?

Yeah.

Try to sell it yourself. It shouldn't be hard.

No mileage on it. Almost new.

I can't take it back. My lot is full.

We're making room for the new models.

It's not because I don't like you.

It's the same for everyone.

Sure, I understand. It's not...

Anyway, thank you.

Emptying the lot's one thing.

Having to sell the same car twice

because somebody can't pay, that's another.

What ll he do”?

Not our problem.

We did our part. The bank will take care of it.

Yeah.

They thought he could pay. Let them handle it.

My customer is very happy. You've made him a happy man, Maryse.

I told him he'd get it tonight.

You'll probably get held up by the roadwork on the 169.

But they're calling for good weather.

Is Antoine having fun?

Great.

Does he want to talk to me?

That's fine.

Well, see you soon, sweetheart.

The workers are now creditors,

and the matter could end up in court.

For workers who took early retirement,

claims will be evaluated one by one.

The Repurposing Committee regrets the multinational's decision.

It was preparing a restart plan

and the plant was in the black.

It's a tough day for the 520 employees.

The plant had been shut 256 days.

What's up?

To recap, early this morning at 8 a.m.,

management announced the permanent closure.

A hard blow for the 500 workers.

We went to the diner next to the plant

and met with workers, who are saddened and shocked.

It feels really strange.

My wife doesn't work.

It's hard to swallow.

I'm 53 years old.

I was planning to retire at 57, 58. You don't expect this.

You ask yourself, What am I going to do now?

It's hard to take.

You can't speak.

You get this lump in your throat.

It won't go away. You stare at each other:

"Is this really happening?"

You're so mixed up inside, you can't talk about it.

That and the hospital were the big employers. Now...

Now there's nothing left.

Severance packages are among the claims.

They get bonuses of $100,000, $60,000.

And we get $3,000 in severance.

That's not fair. It's not acceptable.

We shouldn't be listening to management.

They're plain dishonest.

Mr Levesque?

Let me guess.

15 white cars for our boys in blue.

I didn't call you, but the bid's ready.

I needed some details from my manager.

Marcel Levesque?

The father of Maryse Levesque of Ste-Famiulle St?

There was an accident

involving her and her son, Antoine.

Sadly, both were killed in the accident.

Their car collided with a moose near km. 105,

and went off the road.

It happened at around noon.

They were taken to hospital where they were declared dead.

We're very sorry to have to tell you.

Marcel.

256 Days Without Work

Our jobs, our region

Top Salesman, 1988

I'm not knocking the competition.

They say they can stand 3 bikes inside.

That's marvelous! But there's no room left to sit.

Where do the kids go? On the roof?

You need riders for them too!

Here.

I'll wrap up by congratulating Marcel, our top seller for January.

We'd like to honor you by taking you for breakfast.

I have the vouchers. I'll go with you.

Just say when.

Right.

Have a good day, everyone.

Follow the salesman.

Here you are, ma'am.

There you go.

We'll think about it.

My dear friends, no problem.

The garage isn't going anywhere.

I'm here every day. And every evening, except Friday.

It's been a pleasure.

Goodbye, ma'am.

Marcel, this is nuts.

You need a break.

You barely stopped. It's only normal.

Why not take a week or two off?

Just a week or two.

It's my role to step in.

Think about yourself.

Someone else who wants me to stop!

That's not what I said.

Let me think about it.

No, you don't understand.

I want you to stop a while. I'm not asking.

What'll your kids do without your top salesman?

That's not the problem.

When you need to bid on a fleet, who'll you turn to?

You make people uncomfortable.

They wonder why you're still here.

They wonder why you don't stop.

Used! Golden Opportunity!

See you tomorrow

Hello, Mr Levesque.

It'll be a long convalescence.

No color. I can touch up the greys, but...

No more rinses for a year.

You've reached Maryse and Antoine. We're not home.

Leave us a message.

Need a little car, ma'am?

If I needed a car, I'd avoid the likes of you.

1-0!

It's cause she didn't get her kiss.

Come, let's chat.

And you, hop on!

Faster! You can go faster!

And here you are, dear daughter!

Still taping?

Sometimes, for fun.

I hear where I mess up.

I can still improve.

From Sonia, for her husband who is working far away,

here is Greenville, by Lucinda Williams.

My manager says it looks fine.

Your offer's been accepted. So,

let's celebrate the nuptials!

Here.

Hello?

Francois Paradis?

Do I have time to talk to you?

Of course I have time, my friend.

Of course I remember you!

Sure. You have my card, you can call me.

Sure we're friends.

Calm down.

Slow down, I can't hear you very well.

Where is your wife?

Where is she now?

You can't say that, my friend.

Don't...

Listen...

I'm coming over now, OK?

Stay calm. It's important you stay calm. I'm coming over, OK?

Marie?

Give me the address of Francois Paradis, a customer of mine.

Yeah, Paradis. He bought a pick-up two months back.

Francois!

Francois, it's Marcel!

Good thing you were there.

Know where his wife is?

No.

I think her name is Nancy.

I think she moved away.

Are you a relative?

No.

Are you a friend?

No.

What's your relationship?

I'm a car salesman.

I sold him a truck a while back.

I sell cars, that's all.

Big Spring Sale Easter Parade

Used

They're coming!

Days Without Work

THE SALESMAN

Translation: Shonda Secord and Robert Gray, Kinograph

Blu-ray Subtitling: CNST, Montreal