Original subtitles

LOIC GUINARD Research Director

PHILIPPE GUINARD Managing Director

Philippe? Let's go?

LOUIS GUINARD Founder President

Dad? Let's go?

Agathe? Let's go. See you at the station?

Yes, sir.

Right. We'll leave it at that.

To recap: I want maximum info on our US competitors,

the quanti quali results,

the latest updates on dermo-kit development

with Estée Lauder, Clinique, Lancôme,

estimates, release dates etc.

Right, Lucie? Let's go.

Wish me luck.

Good luck.

Wish me luck.

Let's hope she slips up

Let's hope she screws up

Let's hope she fucks up

May she bungle it May she tangle it

May she mangle it

- Is Monday bank holiday? - I think so.

What a shame!

- Did you put the packaging in? - Yes.

- The transparencies? - Yes.

The demo?

No!

Spare change, lady?

Those half-wits will make us miss our train!

Beat it!

Skedaddle!

It's beyond a joke. Paris is infested with Rumanians.

Got the mock-ups?

In the portfolio.

Brussels Midi Station. Train terminus.

I've always broken new ground,

anticipated women's desires.

One year ago, I decided

with my sons

to create a new line in skin care

for pale, sensitive complexions.

We called it Scandinav.

Today Scandinav is ready,

we're launching it in France

and here in Belgium during the next few months.

Now over to Agathe Cléry

who's been caring for this project from day one...

care is clearly our speciality!

She'll present Scandinav to you in detail.

Agathe, over to you.

No, no, Agathe,

you've been perfect.

Thank you, sir.

You've won your colours as marketing director.

You were with Scandinav every step of the way.

If the latest tests are positive,

which I don't doubt for a moment,

it's your baby now.

How can I thank you?

You owe this position to your competence alone.

Independently of my affection for you.

Today in Beijing

Tomorrow in Dublin

Between two planes Between two trains

Today in Beijing

Tomorrow in Dublin

Between two planes Between two trains

I get horny on trains

Our accounts Are super-sized

We all live Amazing lives

We're the ace

King and queen

Of the European scene

We're the ace

King and queen

Of the European scene

The business world Is better than war

It's a daily rat race For shelf space

I've always fought

To make women prettier

Always contrived

To make mealtimes dishier

We're the ace, king and queen

Of the European scene

We're the ace, king and queen

And the knave!

Of the European scene

- Zero - Percent

- Fat - Content

- A hundred - Percent

- Grey - Matter

A consumer lurks behind each face

But to win his spending power

You can't watch the hour

Or slacken the pace

We're the ace, king and queen

Of the European scene

Do you have transport?

No.

Enjoy your evening. And bravo.

See you tomorrow.

Let's go, Lucie.

Don't you lock your doors?

No, why?

At the first red light they'll grab your bag.

- You think so? - Sure. Especially this area.

"Satellite dish outside, Arabs inside".

Lock these doors, please.

With all the Scandinav material too.

Leave it, guys.

Here's our star!

I'm coming!

How are you?

I'm good.

- Have you eaten? - I'm not hungry.

I'll fix you something.

- How did it go? - It went well.

- Very well. - Fill us in.

Oh, bugger!

The Belgians are over the moon.

And...

Guess what Louis Guinard said...

What?

Guess!

No?

Yes...

- Not marketing director? - Yes!

That's fantastic!

You move fast!

I'm not surprised.

She's a natural.

You'll always amaze me!

She worked night and day.

No more than anyone else.

She knocked spots off us at Uni.

I've been slogging my guts out

for over two years now!

It will happen.

Right. Hervé had to wait 3 years!

In my case the context was...

different.

Here's to your success, babe!

Look in the eyes!

Me too!

Being marketing director suits you.

You look fantastic.

Do I?

Like you've been on holiday.

Must be hard work.

Better than a spa!

Ah, Lucie!

- Can you give this to Agathe? - Sure.

Come in.

Excuse me, this is from Jean-Michel.

What is it?

CVs for the new product manager.

He wants you to meet them and check them out.

Thank you, Lucie.

Thank you!

Your coffee.

So how's it going with Agathe?

I'm learning a lot.

You gotta hand it to her. She's a pro.

She's a hard worker.

Incredibly hard.

She's being promoted again?

Mr Guinard has made her marketing director.

Agathe's very good.

Not a load of laughs...

That's not fair. She can be very funny.

But not always on purpose.

Like when she's nice:

it's not on purpose either.

- But what a pro! - No?

Yes, absolutely.

She's superbly professional.

- But... - But?

No, nothing...

I don't know her well.

But...

isn't she...

isn't she a bit...

A bit what?

A bit racist?

Racist? Agathe?

No!

What makes you say that?

A few remarks she made.

She doesn't much like Moroccans

Not much, no

Or care for the Algerians

Not too keen on Tunisians

Not them either

She's not a fan

Of North Africans

Not her thing!

Or Rumanians, I'll say!

Apart from that she isn't racist

No!

No way!

Apart from that she isn't racist

No, no way

She can't stomach the Congolese

Doesn't get on with the Senegalese

Definitely anti the Pakistanis

Can't get through to the Lebanese

And the Cameroonians, Oh please!

Won't even talk to the Javanese

Apart from that she isn't racist

No!

No way!

Apart from that she isn't racist

No!

No way, José!

She's suspicious of Asians

Malaysians and Iranians

Kenyans and Indonesians

But she'll bend it for Belgians

She's suspicious of Asians

Malaysians and Iranians

Kenyans and Indonesians

But she'll bend it for Belgians

before the Eure you're cutting it fine

after the Eure you've crossed the line

What in God's name is that?

Roland!

Agathe and Hervé are here!

You're in luck.

The weather forecast is marvellous!

Hello.

Hello, darling.

How's my honey-bunch?

What's "Before the Eure you're cutting it fine"?

The county council thought that one up.

What for?

To mark the county boundary.

- No one will understand. - No?

No way! The colour code is meaningless!

- It's not even funny. - It makes us laugh.

Is it permanent?

I don't know.

Me neither.

And you, Hervé?

What do you think?

Do you like it or not?

Well, er...

You're embarrassing him.

Can't they lower the volume during lunch?

They're so sweet.

He's a clever little monkey.

Children make noise, that's how it is.

You'll see for yourself one day.

That's not on the agenda.

We'd like to be grandparents.

A chubby young rascal A Normandy boy

Or a cute little girl Our pride and joy

It's not the right time More haste less speed

Starting a family

Is not what I need

My honey-bunch mine

It's never the time For a baby

My honey-bunch mine It's never the time

And after the time You've crossed the line

And before the time You're cutting it fine

How about you, Hervé lad?

Don't you want to be a dad?

I think Agathe is quite right

We don't have time to be up all night

I aim to be financially reliable

Before envisaging family survival

It's never the time For a baby

It's never the time For a baby

And don't forget it ain't no fun

To have an ageing dad and mum

It's never the time For a baby

Stop!

Not now.

Her professional fulfilment is at stake.

Right, honey-bunch?

Don't you start!

Start what?

Calling her honey-bunch.

She hates it.

Don't you, honey-bunch?

Lucie!

Could you get me some Paracetamol?

Of course.

Excuse me.

You're radiant.

Thank you.

Did you meet the two guys with the CVs?

Yes.

Schmit looks interesting.

I told him to call up and meet you.

And the other one?

He's sound.

OK, but with an equivalent CV

he wanted 500 euros more. I suggested he reassess.

- He wouldn't back down. - Forget it.

Anything wrong?

Paracetamol...

I set up her appointments. She never met him.

Course not, he's black.

It's disgusting.

We've all seen her do it but we can't catch her out.

She'll say you didn't know

but she met him outside, something like that.

- How disgusting. - Go eat elsewhere!

No, sorry.

Hello?

- Hello, honey-bunch. - Don't call me that.

Hello, Miss Agathe.

Sorry. Where are you?

At the Arabs'.

Where?

At the grocer's.

I've just wrapped up my Koreans!

Can I come over?

No. Not tonight.

Sweeten up, I feel like it!

Are you deaf? I said not tonight!

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Sorry. I feel a bit queasy.

Feverish?

I don't know. I'm shattered.

Maybe you should see a doctor?

Maybe...

Shall I come over?

No!

To fix you a meal and pamper you.

You're sweet but I have a lot of work.

Let's talk before beddy-byes?

Right.

- Kiss kiss? - Kiss kiss.

Hello, Miss Agathe.

What a tan!

Been in the sun?

Speak for yourself.

You look stunning!

Don't, I feel lousy.

You don't look it.

Been to the Seychelles?

Am I that brown?

No!

Where were you?

Nowhere.

UV tanning, huh?

You must be nuts.

Come off it.

And my sister's a Beatle.

Go easy with those UV sessions.

Your holiday was a waste of time.

You're badly run down.

Did I go on holiday?

I don't know.

How do you look so healthy?

I don't know.

Doctors are like lawyers. We can't help you if you lie.

I swear I don't do anything.

Everyone says that. I know I'm tanned

but I haven't sunbathed for 5 years!

I work in beauty care, I know what UV and sunrays can do!

I'm not mad.

I'm sending you to a dermatologist.

It's not a haemocyanin.

Or an icterus.

- Is your hair going frizzy? - Yes.

You haven't tested out a new product?

- Instant tan creams or pills? - No.

Any coloured people in your family?

No.

Why do you ask?

We could have envisaged jumping genes.

As you get browner, you feel more nauseous?

- More exhausted? - Yes.

I'm sending you to an endocrinologist.

You have Addison's Disease.

What's that?

A rare condition.

I've only come across

a dozen cases in twenty-five years.

But what is it?

A disorder of the adrenal cortex glands.

Exhaustion, stomach aches, darkening of the skin.

The suprarenal insufficiency

effects the pituitary gland and triggers off a melanoderma.

Is it serious?

It used to kill people.

No need to worry.

Now cortisone exists people live with it very well.

Kennedy for instance.

Kennedy had Addison's Disease.

But it didn't stop him being assassinated!

I don't understand. What does it do exactly?

Thanks to cortisone, nothing.

You have to survey the doses to avoid problems.

The only visible aspect is a suntan all year round.

In your case,

your ACTH level

is exceptionally high.

So your skin may darken considerably.

How do you mean "darken"?

You will probably darken to the shade

of a coloured person.

What colour?

Swarthy, olive,

I can't say exactly.

Ebony if your melanin level

keeps shooting up like this.

I really don't know.

- You're kidding? - Kiss your white skin goodbye.

You'll be nothing like the normal colour

for a Caucasian.

Can't it be treated?

Not this aspect of the condition.

So I'll be black?

You will darken.

For ever?

As medical knowledge stands today, yes.

But don't worry, as I said,

apart from

the pigmentation, you can live a normal life.

I'm turning black, is that a normal life?

Listen,

if you need to talk to someone

there's an Addison's Disease Support Group.

Black is black

You're turning black

It sets you apart

It's so rare and new

But don't lose heart

Be doo be doo

We'll be there for you

Miss Cléry?

See you in four weeks time?

Black is black

You're turning black

Black is black

You're turning black

Black is black!

You're turning black!

But...

apart from this pigmentation business,

are there any complications?

Isn't that enough?

Things that could handicap you in your daily life?

What more do you want?

I'm turning black!

Don't you know what it means: black?

You don't call it a handicap?

We love you to bits.

But you're talking nonsense.

I don't want to be black.

I hate black people! They're ugly and stupid!

They have fat lips and fat arms!

- Who does she get it from? - Mother.

As bad as that?

- I won't be like a monkey! - Afraid so.

I won't be like them!

I don't want to be black! I won't, I won't!

My darling.

You said it's inevitable.

So what's the point of moaning?

Better get used to it as soon as you can.

I'll never be black. Not as long as I live!

You can't commit suicide.

Yes, I can... if I must.

Now come on.

Don't be silly.

But...

Will you get much darker?

No!

That shade's not embarrassing.

Thanks a lot!

I didn't mean that, don't be silly.

And anyway...

black, yellow, white...

- What does it change? - Everything.

It changes everything.

It's another world!

You're still my honey-bunch.

Yeah.

What's the matter?

Nothing.

Why are you staring at me?

I'm not.

I haven't got darker, have I?

No, no.

Have I got a bit whiter?

Well, yes...

It's hard to tell.

- Coming to bed? - No, not right away.

I still have work to do.

In a bit.

Know why Agathe looks browner and browner?

- She owned up to UV sessions. - Agathe?

She's lying.

She has a rare disease.

She's turning black.

But how? It's impossible.

It is possible. It's called Addison's Disease.

What is it?

I googled it,

it makes your skin go darker.

A bit like Michael Jackson

but the other way round.

And apparently she's got it bad!

No!

You're kidding?

Holy shit!

Incredible.

There is a rough justice.

I didn't say anything.

Agathe!

Here's the meeting report.

Thank you.

Secrets, huh?

What?

What?

What hmm?

Who was dead against UV?

I read the latest reports, it's not so bad.

In moderation,

like everything.

I've exposed my skin so rarely

my sun capital is virtually intact.

Don't overdo it. It gets ugly.

No fear of that. You know me!

Alright?

I think so.

Your mail.

YOUNG AFRICA

MISS EBONY

Your level's even higher.

You'll be very, very dark.

How about more cortisone?

You'll blow up like popcorn.

And you won't even be popcorn colour.

LIGHTENER

WHITENING CREAM

Excuse me.

Can I go first? I only have this.

Go ahead.

Why me?

What have I done

To deserve this?

It's worse than shame It's deep distress

Making my poor life a mess

A dark mess

I'm no hard and cruel Miss

I just don't want to be

A negress!

But if Michael's gone whiter

Then I can be lighter

I'll be pearly pale pink

As white as an ice rink

White as an ice rink

I'm telling you Better believe me

Me, Agathe Cléry!

"Ary Boubakar.

"Famous magician from the Savannah.

"Diplomas in occult sciences, high magic.

"Discreet advisor to international politicians.

"Miracles at a distance.

"Speed, efficiency, credibility."

Right on the middle of my desk.

Why not tell them?

Because they know. And they're doing this.

They have no pity. It's vile.

Maybe it's not them.

- I get sent these. - C'mon! It's every day.

Poor baby.

Have you been to see him?

Who?

Ary Thingummy.

What for?

I don't know...

Me see a witchdoctor?

The blacks believe in them.

I am not black.

So what are you saying?

Break it up, you two. OK?

- I'm sorry. - My fault. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Drink up! Good luck!

I could use some.

Fifty eight, fifty nine, sixty...

But how long are you off for?

You don't know when you'll be back?

I'll have to work round it,

what else can I say?

I don't have a choice.

Look after yourself and come back soon.

Yeah, me too.

Beautiful day

Happy day

Hip hooray

Hip hooray

At last Agathe

Is on her way

Farewell, Agathe

We'll wave you away

Just stay far away

Agathe?

It's us!

Open the door!

It does change you

but honestly, you're still you.

Right. You're still you.

But...

Is it all over?

Just as well, or it would look weird.

I'm getting used to it,

really I am.

I don't even notice the difference.

Don't cry.

No, don't.

We know you're not really black.

No squashy nose or fat lips.

Your doctor could be wrong. Maybe it's temporary.

I went to see three others.

They all say the same.

What about Hervé?

What does he think?

Nothing.

He doesn't touch me any more, that's all.

Poor thing.

Poor Hervé!

Lighten up.

You gotta laugh!

It's me.

How are you?

I'm good. How are you?

So so...

What's wrong?

Nothing...

Coming over tonight?

Not tonight, I really can't.

A deadline for my Koreans.

I see.

Not mad at me?

No, I can't be mad at you.

Well, kiss kiss?

Kiss kiss.

Goodbye.

And now, our old friend Nino.

Yeah, right!

It was back in '66, remember?

I'd love to be black

I'd love to be black

Black all over

Hello?

No! It's not true!

Roland!

Agathe's been silly!

Oxygen.

Blood pressure.

We are the damned Of the medical world

Our overtime paid In blood, sweat and tears

No bank credit No renown

We heal when we can But it grinds us down

Miss Cléry?

Miss Cléry!

It's normal.

Put her on Zeferil till tonight.

Can't you imagine what it would have done to us?

And your parents?

Snap out of it.

It's not as if you'd lost your eyes or your legs.

You don't have a squashy nose.

What do you see? A black woman.

I'm black.

- We know you're not really. - Piss off.

I see a black face.

Everyone does!

So what?

How often have we joked about darkies?

Nothing bad.

Just for a laugh.

I've been thinking.

- You're the lucky one. - Yeah?

You represent our century better than we do.

Society is evolving towards racial mixture.

Please! Spare me.

He's got a point.

Racial mixture is humanity's future.

Mathematically inescapable.

Why not "Black is beautiful" too?

Try it for yourselves if it's so great.

It's easy for you to talk!

I may be humanity's future but he sleeps on the sofa.

You make me sorry I saved you.

Face facts. Get used to your new identity.

Or don't mess up your next suicide.

Come on. Treatment.

Sucking up?

Certainly not.

Trying to top herself doesn't make her a saint.

It's sad to see someone so low.

Wear something lighter, it's warm this morning.

I can take it off later.

- Like us to come with you? - No.

It's on our way.

I'm not going to nursery school.

Just trying to help.

Right, I'm off.

Have you got your pills?

Being black doesn't mean I'm a half-wit.

I'm glad to hear you say that.

Hi, girls.

Madam! Where are you going?

It's me. Agathe.

Hello, Agathe.

I want to say for us all...

We're delighted to see you back.

Thank you.

You've been through some testing times, Agathe.

The fighter we know and love

has won through once more.

Agathe,

we're proud to count you amongst us again.

And the best way to show us you haven't changed

is to roll up your sleeves and get to work!

Attagirl, Agathe!

Get cracking!

Agathe.

Sorry about all the crap. We were lousy to you.

That's alright.

I'd have found it funny too normally.

Well, that's how it is.

But thanks, it's nice of you.

That's me!

Good morning.

Scandinav is the ideal solution for all women

whose pale complexions suffer more than darker skins

from the aggressions of today's world.

Pollution, stress,

the disastrous effects of sunlight.

Market research shows...

Excuse me... There's a huge market

for Caucasian type complexions.

So we're launching a new range of skin care

for pale, sensitive skins.

We've called it Scandinav.

As these white skins

are more delicate,

they're also more fragile

and the damage is always appalling...

What brings you here?

Do you think...

I've been wondering...

I'm not sure I'm the right person for Scandinav.

What do you mean?

Well, with my...

Because of my...

Good God! It never crossed my mind!

It hadn't occurred to me.

Really?

You're not serious?

No, but...

What a pity you think that.

Yes, but if that's how she feels...

Scared you've lost your motivation?

Who wouldn't in your situation?

Attagirl Agathe!

No, Agathe

You must follow your heart

You're at the peak of your art

So retire on the crest of the wave

Be brave

We accept with regret Your resignation

We'll return your stock option

We respect

Your decision

For those many years

Of commitment and loyalty

We'll reward you with

A handsome indemnity

We must start anew

We'll miss you too

That's very true

We'll miss you

Goodbye Agathe

Don't say thank you

It's the least we can do

We owe you that too

Goodbye Agathe

You're a true blue

We'll miss you

That was close!

She made it easy for us.

Shame.

I got horny with her black.

Miss Cléry.

I don't want to interfere, but the body corporate

isn't happy about renewing your lease, I hear.

Really? Why not?

I think it's something to do with your new... colour.

We immigrants must stick together.

Thank you, Mrs Goebbels.

Agathe, my dearest,

I'm not strong enough to see you through this ordeal.

Forgive me.

You're still my honey-bunch.

Your Hervé

PS. I hope with all my heart you'll be white again one day.

So do I.

You're right, it's great to be black.

I've lost my job and my fella,

now I'm being kicked out of my home.

Surely you saw it coming with Hervé?

No.

You said he hadn't touched you for weeks.

Well, no...

This way, please.

See that?

He took them in before me.

Don't be paranoid. They booked.

And if the Guinards fired you because you're black

it could cost them a fortune.

2-year sentence, 45,000 euro fine.

If you're sure of your facts, sue them.

Yeah. I can be a Black Panther now.

I'm not suing anyone. I'd have done the same.

And gone to jail!

I did it ten times over, no problem.

Our turn now.

Did the people before us book a table?

Yes, Madam.

I bet he's lying.

I'm not black, I'm sick.

I'm from Normandy!

JOB CENTRE

Climb back up your coconut tree!

Stupid cow!

Hello?

Roland.

- Mum? - Yes, darling?

Thank you for coming.

What's happened?

She's not in good shape...

I'll lead the way.

What are you doing here?

After-sales service.

What for? Life is a groove!

You've lost everything, it can only get better.

Sorry but no!

My last few friends can dump me,

my parents can cut me off, my hotel room can be torched

now that I can't rent an apartment!

Don't talk rubbish.

They can fly me to the border! Sell me as a slave!

Lots more fun things can happen!

- Are you through? - No!

I said not in good shape.

Fuck off!

- Anything else? - I've had it!

Go on. Let it out.

Black is a shitty colour!

Perfect. Talking of colour, we have issues. That's unwearable.

We'll start with clothes

Don't need clothes

- This? - No!

- That? - No!

Perfect!

Now for shoes

Don't know my size

Perfect!

Let that old pain go

Enjoy your inky glow

Groove with our gentle flow

Just be happy

It's been over two hours

Make an effort, fight depression

This is not a torture session

You look fabulous, Agathe dear

This'll go down as

Your watershed year

What a beautiful black woman!

Some compliment!

You are a stupid bitch.

Sorry.

Now you're presentable, go get a job.

Move your ass!

And keep in touch!

Miss Cléry?

No, that's me.

Delighted to meet you.

Jean-Charles Lajoignie.

This way, please.

Fine track record, good diplomas.

I see you're Sagittarius, like my mother!

No, really...

And you're available? Sure?

I'm sorry, the woman who was due for maternity leave...

is staying on.

She's not taking maternity leave?

No. It's such a pity.

Sophie? Agathe Cléry to see you.

I'm coming.

Hello.

Agathe Cléry, nice to meet you.

Sophie Valois.

Do come in.

Sit down.

Look, I'm in a bit of a spot...

I don't know what happened,

obviously the information didn't circulate...

The job's been taken.

How about that.

You have an excellent CV.

But I've had to bow down to the boss's candidate.

Divine right, you know.

I don't believe a word of your story.

I've trotted it out too often.

"I'm not racist, the problem is our clients."

No, absolutely not!

Or you'll call me a week later

to say you've taken on someone else

but my colour isn't an issue... as she's coloured too!

Or stand me up

for an important meeting. Or feel unwell.

No really, you're quite wrong...

I was white too.

Goodbye.

Stupid bitch.

What happened?

She's mad.

"Not the right career profile",

"Sorry, job taken", "Not the right profile",

"Thank you, Miss Cléry. Good luck!"

Don't exaggerate, it's not always because you're black.

In some cases you may not have the right skills.

You know many people as unskilled as me?

Who handled Scandinav?

Who was made marketing director?

Believe me, it's racism!

You're not going out like that?

- Not everyone is racist. - They are!

- No! I'm not. - Come off it!

Maybe I was a tiny bit but not any more.

Yes, I'm your token black. For your WASP conscience.

And because you knew me before.

I don't know what I hate most. People pitying me or despising me.

OK. Shall we go?

I can't take it any more.

It'll work out. Don't lose hope.

Don't talk about hope.

Cioran said: "Hope is a virtue for slaves."

I don't know if I'm racist but you're a pain!

Your "My people have suffered enough" attitude

is getting unbearable.

Am I like that?

A bit.

A bit or a lot?

A bit of a lot.

See, you are racist.

Let's go.

It's too crowded. Let's go home.

Don't move.

- I don't feel like dancing. - Liar.

Anyway he won't let me in.

Don't talk crap. He'll let you in, he's black.

That's why he's outside.

You're out of date.

Clubs don't turn black people away.

You're being naïve.

Arabs maybe. But not blacks.

Sure they do.

Let them through, please.

How long have they been together? Tell me!

She took out an option the day you said he didn't touch you.

What a bitch!

That's ages ago. And you never told me.

Come on!

The bitch!

Don't look so grim.

White people get cheated on too.

You'll make yourself ill.

I warned you.

Shall I come with you?

Wow! I never knew you could dance like that.

It's normal.

I got rhythm in my blood.

Hello?

Did I wake you?

I knew it! Seen the time?

Shit!

I said don't drink too much.

Who wanted to go out?

You didn't have to drink like a fish!

If I hadn't gone out I wouldn't have seen those two.

OK, it's my fault.

Get a move on!

Why? I'll only get turned down. There's no point going.

So don't go.

Come on, hurry up.

Hello. I have an appointment with Mr Lambert.

He's not here.

Thanks. Bye.

Wait! Who are you?

What's that to you?

Agathe Cléry.

Isa? Miss Cléry is at reception for Quentin.

Alright.

Left, then through the open plan area.

Mr Salaoui's assistant will meet you.

Turn left...

I got it. Thanks.

Miss Cléry?

I'm Isabelle Plesh, Mr Salaoui's PA.

- Who's Mr Salaoui? - The MD.

He's number 2, Quentin Lambert is president.

Kader, your appointment.

- Hello. - Hello. Do sit down.

Would you like coffee? Tea?

No, thank you.

- Some water? - I'm fine, thanks.

Right. I'll make it brief.

We're an IT service company, specializing

in intranet/extranet, the whole net thing.

We provide site creation, advice,

we're developing programmes for 3G phones, 4G,

5G... The future!

So we're looking for a marketing director.

You were in cosmetics, then you resigned?

No, I didn't exactly resign,

we parted by mutual agreement.

Why?

I felt I'd gone as far as I could go.

And although they appreciated my work...

they were up for a new face.

Been job hunting for long?

Too long.

Had a lot of hits?

No. A lot of rejections.

Why?

Why do you think?

I don't know. Maybe you weren't suitable?

That's for sure.

But my qualifications weren't the issue.

- What was? - My new...

Sorry. My colour.

We're a young company. Quentin Lambert started it.

He's like you: loads of diplomas, loads of rejections.

Because he's black.

So he came to a logical conclusion.

We live in a society that's always

been run by and for white people.

So he decided to create this company to promote,

help and employ everyone else. And we're increasing daily.

No white people?

None. Zero. But don't worry.

We function the same, with the same markets and targets.

But since they don't want us, we don't want them.

- Do you mind? - Not a bit.

On the contrary. I'm not bothered.

Nor are we. But we don't want them.

You're right. Me neither.

When can you start?

You see? Never lose hope!

You know why I got the job?

Because you're black?

Right on the money!

Positive discrimination?

In this case, negative discrimination.

What do you mean?

They won't hire anyone who's white.

No?

- Like I said. - No white people?

No.

What do they do?

Internet/intranet operations for various companies.

Not one white person?

No.

And they function?

Just asking.

They doubled their turnover.

Fair enough.

Are you up for it?

Sure I'm up for it.

Pray they don't find out I'm not really black.

You have a point!

Miss Cléry!

This gentleman wanted to ask me about you.

I didn't say a word!

I'm Mr Flin, Mr Ozares' attorney.

My client informed me you have undergone a...

genetic transformation?

Nothing genetic about it.

But physically...

you've changed radically?

What of it?

If the guarantees you offered Mr Ozares

were sound enough at the time

for him to let his apartment to you,

what is the situation today,

now you're someone else?

What is the question exactly?

Since you're no longer the same,

the question we ask is whether...

your lease is renewable?

Go ask yourself that question.

Come back when I've barbequed a sheep after an excision!

That was one of my client's fears.

Any more shit and I'll eat him raw.

And you too!

I need a report on their products

and a rundown of the competition.

And in case they try to beat us to it,

I'd like to be ready by next month.

Can I have something...

let's say Thursday?

- Wednesday if you like. - Great.

- Excuse me. - No problem.

We've finished.

- Coming for lunch? - Right away.

Here's the blurb on video functions and high speed link ups.

Good.

We'll get there, you'll see.

Move your black ass, bitch.

- Think that's funny? - Yes.

- Well? - Well what?

How's things with your darkies?

- Bad. - C'mon!

Anti-white racial discrimination in France today is a scandal.

Hand in your notice.

No, but I haven't said my last word.

Not more of your crap. Chill out.

What's the movie?

A classic, you'll like it.

Guess who's coming to dinner?

"Social life:

"the rise you expect is a long way off.

"Heart: the desert crossing has just begun."

A load of bullshit.

- So why did you ask me to read it? - I didn't.

- Hello, Mr Lambert! - Hello.

"Gemini. Social life: you'll send out sparks.

"Heart: love at first sight is close at hand."

So's your dismissal if you don't answer that.

- How did it go? - Good, thanks.

- Jetlagged? - Slept on the plane.

- How's New Delhi? - Magnificent.

The Indians not too tricksy?

No more than you!

- Hi, Quentin. - Hi. Work, work!

Hey, Quentin!

Quentin, meet Agathe Cléry, our new marketing director.

Agathe, meet Quentin Lambert, your boss.

Good to meet you.

They read it to me,

but I didn't believe it.

Me neither,

but it was written.

Love at first sight!

A kiss.

- I can't get over it! - Over what?

"Over what?"

If I'd heard it six months ago:

you black and in love with a black guy!

I've never been so happy.

- What? - Nothing.

You should tidy up this mess.

Do they have huge ones?

So that's it!

- Everyone says they do. - I don't know.

I haven't seen that many.

Compared to Hervé for instance?

It takes two. And we fuck fantastically.

Fantastically better than Hervé?

No comparison. With Hervé it was hygienic. This is magic.

Because it's bigger?

It hits the spot. Satisfied?

Find one for yourself, any size, and stop fantasizing.

When I see lovers like them

My heart skips a beat

But we're too old For that sexy treat

It's sooner than you suppose The menopause

They're cute

We'd follow suite

But we're too busy

To have a fiancé

We strut the catwalk daily

And time flies gaily

Flies past too fast

Too fast

She's a lot more relaxed

Than when we saw her around

But now

She's the prettiest lassie From Normandy

In Paris town

Fill a bottle change a nappy

At the crèche the kids are happy

But when they catch a nasty cold

Home they come as good as gold

Bye bye baby Mum's off to work

There's nowhere to sit

There are beds for fornicating

It's no good for anyone

To witness all this mating

How old was she when we adopted her?

Let's say six months.

And why a black baby?

That's what life offered and we were overjoyed.

And why did we adopt?

We were sterile.

You were sterile.

Alright.

Can you manage?

What? It's all Greek to me.

I can't help you.

Dad, mum, this is Quentin.

- Roland Cléry, good to meet you. - Hello.

Mimi. I'm delighted.

Darling!

Hi, honey-bunch. Had a good trip?

Excellent.

What's "Before the Eure you're cutting it fine"?

That's the county council.

It's funny.

- You think so? - Yes.

You don't find the colour code meaningless?

Back off.

- Need a hand? - It's fine.

Come on in.

Did you clean up the house?

Of course, don't worry.

Was that at school?

You were so cute.

Yeah?

Wasn't she!

I love school photos. Got any more?

Really?

The one and only.

How come?

This young lady was the only black child in class.

So she systematically

refused to be in the annual photo.

We did our best to explain

that it was normal, she'd been adopted.

But it was hopeless.

She's a stubborn little thing!

Right, honey-bunch?

- Any more? - Any more what?

- Photos of Agathe. - Sure!

Birthdays, holidays, lots!

Can I see them?

No.

I'd love to show you them but...

they've all been tidied away.

Dad's always been shambolic.

Not exactly ideal for an ironmonger!

Luckily I have a very tidy wife.

They always say opposites attract.

Come and see the house.

Your parents are nice.

For white people.

Not a word against my parents.

- Hello. - Hello.

Hello, Thomas.

- How old are you, Thomas? - 6.

6! I'm old, I'm 33.

Were you white too?

Agathe was white before.

Really?

Kids have such vivid imaginations! What they think up!

Are you sick too?

No, I'm not sick.

Me neither.

So why are you black?

Run along. We're having a rest.

- Why are you white? - I was born white.

And I was born black.

But Agathe used to be white.

Agathe, you were white.

Who's been talking nonsense?

But I saw you!

- You didn't! - I did!

You didn't!

Camille!

OK, OK, I was white.

Why do you tell him stuff like that?

Camille!

It's a game. Go play with your sister.

Telling a kid we're black because we're sick is not a game!

Camille!

What?

Was Agathe white before?

Yes! She had an illness, it turned her black!

You see?

No way!

She's black with white parents, but she's not sick.

- She is! - No, really.

Know what adoption is?

Justine in my class was adopted, she's Vietnamese.

- There! - I'm the same.

No, dad said you had an illness.

OK then.

No, it's not OK!

Dad!

Don't bother your father!

Ask him. You'll see Agathe isn't sick.

Dad!

Don't shout! What is it?

Wasn't Agathe white before?

No! We've told you umpteen times she was adopted!

You see?

Thanks a lot.

No problem.

The group leader CVs that Agathe chose.

- What's going on? - What?

What's this?

OK, he's blond. So what?

He's white!

He has the best CV of the three. That's the bottom line, right?

Are you taking the piss?

How do you mean?

We have a basic postulate here.

Only one : No Whites.

I know. But it's stupid.

As stupid as No Blacks or No Arabs.

Maybe. That's how it is.

Why not say no one under 6 foot? Or no nudists?

No one who was born on Thursday?

You know why I started this company.

Yes. You don't want whites.

Right.

You know what made me do it?

No.

A bitch told her HR director

I wanted 500 euros more than the other guy.

Just because I was black.

Isn't that vile?

Yes.

Where was it?

At the Guinards'.

That day I swore I'd never be dependent on white whims.

When that stuff stops I'll think again.

But right now, I want no whites in this company.

OK?

If you say so.

You're bizarre!

Bizarre, you're bizarre I'm not bizarre

I'm up shit creek

You certainly are!

Keep my mouth shut And don't talk

Or speak and watch him Take a walk

You've cast the die

You've got to lie

If you own up

You'll screw it up

Why must it all Fall apart?

Make me sad And break my heart?

It was so beautiful It was so fine

Say nothing And keep Quentin

She's right say nothing

You'd regret it

You'd never forget it

True love

Is so precious

Just enjoy it It's delicious

I don't want To see him go

That's the way So go with the flow

Okay, okay I'll go with the flow

That's what I'm trying to say

That's what she's trying to say

Trying to say

Trying to say

That's what she's trying to say

Mmm, yes...

Yes, there, that's so good...

Go on, more!

Right, time to get up.

- Want the bathroom? - After you.

Hey!

Yes?

I've been thinking...

I'll give you a key, it's more practical.

There's no ulterior motive, it's not an official demand...

Agathe?

Did you hear what I said?

Yes. It's more practical.

What's more practical?

I don't know.

Say it again?

I want to give you my keys.

Sweetheart!

Completely out of it!

Increased your cortisone?

No.

Started another treatment?

- What is it? - I don't know.

I don't know.

But if your ACTH level keeps falling...

Well?

You won't need any medication.

But I thought it was incurable!

Apparently not.

I'll be cured?

It looks like it.

I'll be white again?

I don't want to be.

My job is never boring.

- I've built myself a new life. - I see.

But it's rare to hear someone complaining about being cured.

I don't want this.

I don't want to be white again!

I can't be!

Inoculate me with the virus?

Miss Cléry, it isn't a virus.

You know what I mean!

I'll be white again?

It's inevitable.

Agathe?

Darling!

Have you seen Agathe?

No.

She called to say she's sick.

With what?

I don't know.

Don't you know?

No.

- Haven't you seen her? - Sure.

You had a row.

They had a row.

Agathe, it's Quentin.

I woke up without you. Kader says you're sick.

I don't understand.

Call me, tell me what's going on.

Lots of love.

Agathe, it's Quentin. Explain why you won't talk to me.

Call me, I love you.

Shit!

Lots of love.

Phoning at the wheel is illegal in France.

Your ID.

This classy car yours?

Driving licence, insurance and registration,

please.

She doesn't want any lunch?

No.

Agathe, it's me again.

I don't know what I did to make you vanish.

But it's pathetic,

it pisses me off!

You're the best thing that ever happened to me.

If you think I'm moving too fast I'll take my keys back, no problem.

But I won't hire someone white. That's definite.

But whatever it is,

please call me!

Agathe, it's me again.

Don't want your orange juice?

No.

I'm taking your car, dad.

Dad!

Hi, girls.

What happened to you?

I'll call you back.

Agathe?

You hired someone white.

And slept with her.

No, but you're...

I'm white, Quentin.

I was born white.

I turned black because I was ill.

Now I'm cured.

No, it's...

- It's not possible. - It is.

And the white bitch at the Guinards'...

was me!

No, it's...

I love you, Quentin. Black or white, I love you.

You can't deal with it?

No whites in this company, ever?

It's so sad.

You both seemed so happy.

- No news? - No.

Call him.

What's the point?

If he doesn't change his mind

good riddance, he's just a dickhead.

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

Look for a job.

And deal with a couple of things.

Miss Cléry?

Mr Thiédot, my lawyer. Joëlle Segbent, my best friend.

- Sorry! - No, my fault.

- Miss... - Hello!

I'd like your advice on Agathe's replacement.

Good morning.

I have an appointment with Mr Guinard, Guinard & Guinard.

- Who shall I say? - Mr Thiénot.

In accordance with article 225-2 of the penal code,

and article L122-144

of the code of ethics,

my client files a complaint for unjustified dismissal

and racial discrimination.

Kindly inform me of the name of your defending lawyer.

Good day.

What do we do, dad?

We're in deep shit.

Attagirl, Agathe!

Hiya!

Is Hervé in?

Hervé!

What are you doing?

I'm back!

We said we'd get back together as soon as I was white.

I am now!

So we're together.

I missed you, Hervé darling.

Didn't he tell you?

No.

Naughty boy!

That's not nice, you should have told her.

Don't worry about picking up your stuff. No rush.

So long, asshole.

White wanted to work in coloured company

and love the boss who can't live without her.

Well done!

Out of the way!

Subtitles: Charlotte Trench

Subtitling: C.M.C.