Original subtitles

In memory of Max Ophuls

THE LOVERS OF MONTPARNASSE

"The authors of this film

"were inspired by real events,

"but this is not an historical work."

These days,

the world's museums and great collectors

compete for Modigliani's works;

each of his paintings worth tens of millions.

When he was alive, in 1919, no one wanted his art.

"Modi", misunderstood, distraught, doubted himself...

You do look glum. Loosen up, it'll be more natural.

Won't it, gents?

I've finished.

Sign it for him.

Thanks. You can keep it.

What do I owe you?

- You don't owe me anything. - I do.

I said I'd pay. Who do I pay, then?

The waiter, sir. You simply promised

to pay for the drinks of the artist and his chums.

- Waiter! - Right away, sir.

How much?

You don't owe anything, sir.

You may go.

Let him pay, we're broke.

I'll pay tomorrow.

No. Tomorrow, Mr Modi...

I said I'd pay.

- Add it up. - We'll start with you.

Two halves, wasn't it? Nothing else? 40 centimes.

Tell me what you had.

I had a salami sandwich and two coffees.

I had a salami sandwich and a beer.

Modi!

- Good evening! - Evening.

- You were leaving? - Yes.

- Where are you going? - I don't know.

I can go, you know.

Do you want me to go?

- I don't care. - Excellent.

Let's go to my place.

Leave...

Oh, drop everything, start over again...

Bravo! After love, you became loquacious.

But your talk makes me thirsty.

Right...

Are you done with your playacting?

You genius?

Here.

You think this will keep me here, you're wrong.

I drink to live alone. Without you.

You'll die without me too.

And it'll be as if you never existed.

Only the waiters will remember you.

Because of the money you owe them.

Why not slap me?

Again.

- Hello, Mr Modi. - Morning, Catherine.

Hey, look who's here!

Feel better now?

Don't mind us. It's something we do.

Where have you been? Did you fight with Beatrice?

Beatrice and me, it's over.

Why? Did she run out of opium?

You left me when I wouldn't give you wine.

You had to be drunk to sleep with me.

Rosalie, you're talking nonsense.

Give me a glass of red.

I'm making no promises.

At least have a bite to eat.

Do you want some cheese?

No. Not hungry.

It's a tragedy, it is. An intelligent man...

Hey, Rosalie!

There!

- Got any soup left? - I'll go and see.

Sit down!

No. Wine is a noble product.

One must drink it standing up, with humility.

Oh, your button needs sewing.

Ah yes.

You're kind.

Come and help me, Catherine!

- Hello, master. - Hello, professor.

Up already?

I love Paris in the morning. It's pretty.

Especially with a glass of red.

Why don't we see you at the Academy?

You can work in peace. It's warm.

Are you crazy?

Your mission is to serve drinks.

And mine is to drink, if I feel like it.

No. Not today. That's enough!

Do your Modigliani somewhere else. Off you go!

Give me that bottle!

Drunk!

Don't believe what she says.

Three glasses have never made me dizzy.

And I only get intoxicated on myself.

Mr Modi!

Mr Modi!

I'll have to go upstairs again. What a bind!

What's wrong with you?

I lost my key, see.

Why are you on the floor?

I fell over.

You've been drinking already.

It really pains me, Modi.

Hey, Modi. What's up now?

Hello, Miaucha.

Everything's fine, darling.

See you later?

Why didn't you ask the concierge for her skeleton key?

Because I'm behind with the rent!

You don't say.

It's me.

You shouldn't have come up, it's very bad for you.

Thank you! When you go away for a whole week,

the least you can do is stop and see the concierge.

Sorry.

Here's your shirt. Laundered and ironed.

Mrs Salomon, you're an absolute saint.

I don't know about that.

But to be a concierge here, you have to be ruthless.

Here's your rent receipt.

I don't have any money.

The gentleman paid for you.

So stop moaning!

In future, maybe you'll stop and see the concierge.

Thanks, Zboro. I didn't know you were rich.

I played poker.

I had 12 francs left. But I made 350.

Have you left Beatrice again?

Yes.

This time, it's truly over.

Modi!

Come here!

That's your drink.

I've been waiting an hour.

You rushed off this morning.

Never leave a woman after knocking her out

without saying goodbye.

I thought you were angry.

Have you had lunch?

No.

A two-penny stamp, please.

- Beatrice. - Yes?

- Last night... - Yes?

Tell me honestly, did I really hurt you?

No. Hardly.

You just half killed me by slapping me hard.

But didn't we make love?

Of course. In the meantime.

Right. I was afraid I had seriously offended you.

You behaved as a gentleman too.

Are you going to the Academy?

How can you work with so many people around you?

Everyone is always around everyone.

I like working with people around me.

At least then, I feel alone.

That's a very interesting theory.

And I love your contradictions.

But I do have the impression

you make fun of people.

Really? Which people?

Me, for instance.

I don't fall for it every time.

If you want to work in peace, let's go to your place.

Or to mine. I can be your model.

Don't you want to paint me?

No.

My humble respects.

Don't drink too much! Or think of me while you do!

Well? Tired already?

Good morning, master.

Sit there. You'll be fine.

You like Fernand Léger's work?

Yes. Why?

It isn't a criticism.

You know you'd make an excellent model?

The funny thing is...

Who is that girl? She looks like a Cologne virgin.

A good girl. She turned up with her father.

- A painter? - No.

Civil servant or store manager. Serious, strict, well-meaning.

Legion of honour. He wants her to do applied arts.

She isn't for you. She's as pure as water.

In my country, there are plenty of fountains.

We have to be careful now. This is my neighbourhood.

- Careful of what? - People, the neighbours.

Why? Are you ashamed?

Oh, do forgive me. I'm not used to this.

If anyone asks who you were walking with,

you can say, "With Modigliani, the painter and drunk."

You don't even have a coat. Here.

I'm the donkey loaded with relics.

Oh, it's raining!

I love the rain.

This is where I live. On the 3rd floor.

Oh, the horrible house!

I don't like umbrellas either.

I'm serious. They hide the sky.

To think, all I have to offer you is...

sharing the rain with me.

What a baptism!

I made a wish.

- A wish? - Yes. A wish.

Goodbye.

Give me two whiskeys.

It's so smoky in here!

All these smokers disgust me.

At least I swallow the smoke.

You should get some fresh air.

Beatrice!

If everyone did that...

Here. Eat.

You're sweet.

A very sweet girl.

A charming clown.

I remember you very well, you know.

Everything.

How we met.

How did we in fact?

At La Rotonde, drinking cognac.

Extraordinary!

You, from Melbourne...

Manchester!

You from Manchester, yes. And me from Livorno.

If Paris hadn't existed, no Beatrice.

No love.

You're pretty, Beatrice.

I've often hurt you.

It isn't my fault.

You're too nice tonight.

What's wrong with you?

You're not in your normal state.

Have you met another woman?

Another woman?

I love... I love the rain.

That's all.

The rain.

But it won't rain again for me.

Beatrice!

- Come on. - OK.

After this dance, we'll go.

Excuse me.

Good evening.

Say, do you have some whiskey for a poor orphan girl?

Thank you. You're swell.

Hey, it's raining.

I haven't seen you in ages.

I'm beginning to understand.

I understand why you went out in the rain last night.

Very good. Excellent.

Come on, look! You can't deny it.

Does she make love well?

I don't know.

Go. Be a good chap.

- How did you meet her? - Once upon a time...

What will you do with her?

She's going to live with me.

Where will you get money?

- Huh, money! - My eye!

Once upon a time a wealthy man wanted to buy a Modigliani.

Now that's a lovely fairy tale.

And Beatrice?

I'm not thirsty anymore.

Too good to be true.

You haven't told me her name.

Jeanne.

If you could be happy at last, I would be delighted.

I'll go find some money.

I've thought of someone!

You've woken her up.

- I'm sorry. I'll go. - Hey, no!

Come on, you fool.

- Hello, Mr Zborowski. - You know my name?

She knows my friends, the stories behind my pictures.

She knows my life by heart. She has no illusions.

- Delighted to meet you. - So am I.

I have to go.

Excuse me, I've some shopping to do.

- See you soon, I hope. - Yes.

I'm going.

Now?

Yes. I want to talk to my family now.

Then I'll pack my bags.

I'll come back.

What are you thinking?

Have you changed your mind?

Maybe you thought about it while I was asleep?

I love you, Jeanne.

See you later.

Jeanne!

Are you really sure?

Yes.

- What time will you be back? - 6pm, at the latest.

I'll be at the Dôme until 5pm.

If anything happens to you, telephone me.

Nothing will happen.

If you don't come back...

See you later, Modi.

Master! The young lady's here.

- Where? - On the pavement.

Go in, please.

Mireille, go to the kitchen, please.

- And close the door. - Yes, madam.

Good day.

Well? Where have you been?

Where did you spend the night?

Isn't Mother here?

I'm here, Jeanne. Listen to me, darling, please.

Speak.

- What's this? - It's for Mother.

I didn't know if I'd see you.

Really! You're too kind. What's this suitcase?

Are you going away?

- Yes. - With whom, may I ask?

With someone I love and who needs me.

What are you doing?

I demand an answer!

Who is the man? What are his means of existence?

- It wouldn't interest you. - Really?

We're going to live together and I'm proud.

Go on.

I'm happy he chose me because his life is hard.

- And he's vulnerable. - Is that it?

Have you finished?

Yes.

Very well.

- Please go. - What do you intend to do?

Don't worry, I'm coming too.

Father!

Don't do this, Father. I beg you!

If you knew, Father...

Listen, Father! Father!

Well? Will you keep it?

No. Thank you.

Enjoy yourselves. I'll come back later.

You still won't have a drink?

No, thanks. What time is it?

Five to five. Why?

Excuse me.

Has anyone asked for me on the telephone?

Are you sure?

I'd said no. I'd have called you.

Thank you, sir. You're kind.

You're welcome.

2.50 from 5.

Everything's fine.

She won't call now.

- She was supposed to call? - Yes.

If there was a problem.

So she hasn't had a problem.

- No. - So you'll meet her at home?

- Yes. - Now?

Later. What's it to you anyway?

Do you love her?

If I said no, would you believe me?

And what do you feel?

It seems that now, for me, anything is possible.

I could paint the entire universe.

But if I wanted to paint the entire universe,

I would do her portrait.

You're an odd chap, you know.

Why?

Everything is just fine! No one will be able to accuse me

of having been a bad influence on you.

I met you over a cognac. I leave you with a glass of water.

If I were you though, I would be wary.

It will all end in tears.

Do you remember, years ago, in Montmartre?

You didn't drink.

But your painting was worthless.

If you had carried on drinking water,

you'd have ended up at the French Artists Salon.

If you really love this young girl...

Well?

Forget her. Believe me, forget her.

It's the best proof of your love you can ever give her.

You're talking nonsense.

You didn't know her two days ago.

Why make her suffer? She's done nothing to you.

You think she'll be unhappy with me?

But my poor Modi, you're impossible to live with.

It isn't your fault. I put up with you

because I'm a little crazy and I have the means.

But she hasn't deserved this.

Go now.

Or you'll keep her waiting.

No, no. Leave it.

I'm happy for you to leave me, but not to pay.

No, no. Don't be silly.

Look, you'll see. I've written an article about you.

I hope you like it.

15 lines! I didn't have a subject.

But I had to talk about something.

Thank you.

Here.

Give her this from me.

It's perfect for a girl of her age.

Goodbye.

Miss! How much?

5 for the small, 10 for the big.

I'll pay for two big bunches and only take one.

Take this to that lady, in the white fur coat. Thank you.

He's certainly mad, he is.

What do you want?

The Hébuternes. Which floor?

- Who do you want? - The Hébuternes.

- Third floor, but no one's home. - What? At this hour?

- They've gone away. - That's impossible.

They all went, father, mother and daughter.

You're lying!

Where are you going?

Hey!

Get down here! You can't go up without my permission.

Come down at once, or I'll call the police!

Let me in, Jeanne!

It's me! It's Modi!

Jeanne!

Jeanne!

Stop that racket!

I'm going to throw you out!

Go downstairs at once!

Find me a pen and paper. I'll come down.

Very well, doctor.

Hello.

Hello.

- Hello, miss. - Hello, madam.

Sorry to bother you, Rosalie. I came because I'm worried.

So am I.

Give me the ink.

What happened to him?

Modi had an attack in the night.

What kind of attack?

Set the tables, you.

What kind of attack? Answer me, Rosalie.

The doctor says he's worried. He's examining him in my room.

Modi is in your room?

- Why? Does it bother you? - Oh, not at all.

I don't have several, you know.

I don't even know where I'm going to sleep.

If I can be of any help...

Thank you. I'll manage.

Sit there, doctor. There's ink and paper.

Thank you kindly.

His condition is serious. He mustn't stay here.

He needs fresh air, and peace and quiet.

If he could go at once, it would be even better.

We have to send him far away. Down South, for instance.

Or he won't last 6 months.

- Same position as yesterday. - How was I?

- Facing the other way. - Ah yes.

Pose naturally. Don't think of anything.

Why? Does thinking make one ugly?

Well? Does it?

No. But it hurts sometimes.

You think too much. It will all end in tears.

Still no news?

Who said I was expecting any?

It shows. You're always elsewhere.

We girls tried to pick you up.

You didn't even notice.

It wouldn't have cost you either!

Women find you attractive. So we pose for you.

To take your mind off things.

What's that bruise on your arm?

That? Nothing. Just Marcel. Do you like the colour?

Pose.

Don't rack your brains. You'll never achieve

the same likeness as my mirror!

I'm not painting you as you are.

But how I see you.

It's fine, I still like you.

Madame Lulu, your client is here. He's in room no. 7.

OK. I'm coming.

I won't be long.

I could always send up Marguerite.

I won't finish with one what I started with another.

In my line of work, it often happens.

- May I? - Of course.

I'll be right back.

Marcel!

- Why are you here? - You're not in Monaco?

I ask the questions here!

He was just doing my portrait.

Your portrait!

- See for yourself. - Just a second.

When my back's turned, you come do your Mona Lisa.

You skive off work and keep your punter waiting.

He's waiting. We'll have it out in the bar afterwards.

I swear...

Save your lies for later. Shift your arse!

At a guess, how many times has she taken it easy up here?

- Three or four times. - Four sessions?

She switched the metre off! Let's say 10.

That'll be 150 francs. Artist's price. Alright?

Even if I had 150 francs, I wouldn't give you a cent.

Who do you think you're taking to?

It's 150 francs, or a thump.

I'd rather give you a thump.

- A thump? To me? - Yes.

- A thump? To me? - To you.

You've got the wrong person.

I don't think so.

You're alright, you are. You're a man.

- Well I never! - What?

Can't I drink with my pal?

Sir...

Introduce me then.

This is Marcel, a pal from the hotel.

Nice to meet you. This is my pal, Mr...

What's your name?

Modigliani.

- Are you Corsican? - No.

Good.

Mr Modigliani, a famous painter from Paris.

I won't ask your name. We're family.

What are you having? A Pernod?

No. A beer.

A beer for my friend.

Say, has anyone ever done your portrait?

- I haven't had the opportunity. - You're in luck!

Now you do. You can't pass it up.

Are you married? When your wife asks where you were,

you'll say, "Posing for my portrait." That'll shut her up!

The price is negotiable.

He's doing Lulu. A marvel. 400 francs I paid him.

Come on! Sit down there. It'll be easier to pose.

I'll watch.

You can't sit down on a Saturday. Off you go!

You won't recognise yourself. A beauty.

Hey, Mr Modigliani, come and see.

Hurry up!

Go see. I think it's her coming.

Look. There.

Jeanne!

Good morning.

Hello.

- Did you have a good trip? - Yes.

Where are we?

In Nice.

Where's the sea? Over there?

Over there?

Or over there?

I don't have a clue.

You haven't left your room?

No. I was waiting for you.

And if I hadn't come, you'd never have seen Nice?

What for?

Did you think of me a bit?

Remember the day I met you?

Yes. Why?

Listen, Jeanne.

When you looked at me,

I felt my life had begun.

I had already loved you for a long time.

I had seen you before, well before that.

It was at Kisling's exhibition preview.

You were so handsome!

I looked for you everywhere.

I spotted you now and then.

At the Dôme or in the street.

I would hide.

I was afraid you'd see me and find me ugly.

I'm less afraid now.

A bit less.

- You're here now, Jeanne. - Yes.

Thanks to Zborowski. He was so kind, Modi, you know.

He even put me on the train.

I like Zborowski.

Why didn't you write?

Oh, Modi! I was locked in my room.

I didn't see Mother.

I only saw Father, who brought me my meals.

But I wrote to you.

Here. The postman's been.

You don't have to read them all.

They all say the same thing, but in different ways.

No! Don't look at me.

Are you embarrassed?

No. Not anymore.

Everything you promised me,

you've given me.

My darling!

Jeanne dearest...

It's so nice here. I'm afraid of going back.

Don't be, darling. You'll see, we'll be happy in Paris.

We'll have a fine life.

You'll sell one picture a month. Then two.

Two?

Why two?

When we have a child.

Here, look. I've made a note of our expenses.

You think of everything.

You even plan the impossible. Sell one picture a month!

With a bit of luck.

Yes, with a lot of luck.

Jeanne...

I so want you to be happy.

If I made you unhappy, it wouldn't be on purpose.

Believe me.

It would be despite myself.

I love you as you are. I'm not afraid.

I'm ready.

Shall we go in?

Of course. That's why we're here.

Hello, you! Where's the boss?

So good of you to come.

- You know Suzanne. - Yes.

You've been amazing. I'm so pleased about the exhibition.

Let's hope it's a success. For him, I mean.

I know. Where is he?

Over there with Jeanne and his friends.

You can't imagine how shy he is.

Off you go.

Mr Morel. How delightful to see such a precious colleague.

Do you like it?

Very interesting.

Some are remarkable. I'll show you.

Not today. It's too crowded. All the artist's friends.

Tomorrow. There'll be no one.

No one? Why no one?

There'll be clients, real art lovers.

You think so?

See you tomorrow, Mrs Weil.

Goodbye, Mr Morel.

- What did he want? - He's a bastard!

He'll bring us bad luck.

What did he say to you?

Hello, Zboro.

Hello, my dear friend.

- What a lot of people! - You see.

- How's Modi? Well? - Very well.

- Is he happy? - Very happy.

- I am pleased. - I know.

Gosh! You have a better opinion of me.

Indeed.

Why? Because I leave him alone these days?

Maybe.

Or because he is still drinking without me

despite his great love and despite you.

- Am I wrong? - No.

My dear, you're ever so kind but not very intelligent.

That's why I'm kind.

Probably. See you later.

Amazing! Absolutely amazing.

Do you want something else?

No. Thank you. This is perfect.

Hello, Jeanne.

Hello, Modi.

Surely you're happy?

- Darling... - I'm thirsty.

You've had quite enough.

Right. I'll leave then.

Modi!

Goodbye, sir.

You're mad! Where are you going? What's got into you?

I'm leaving.

- Will you be back tomorrow? - What for?

I guess it's hopeless.

I fear it is.

I might as well go home.

Wait for me here?

Who is the owner here?

This lady is.

I'm a superintendent.

Please remove the painting from the window.

Quiet! Your nude has pubic hair, it's disgusting.

You have 2 minutes.

You can't be serious.

I wasn't speaking to you.

Well? I'm waiting.

I'll do as you say, but I have reservations.

You want to take me to court?

You're not amusing.

What? Repeat what you just said.

I'll obey, sir!

But I don't understand you.

This nude isn't obscene. There are others.

The journalists saw them. Their reviews were favourable.

The press doesn't make the law. Thank God!

Excuse me.

Here, we're allowed.

Yes, and it's regrettable. Show me your papers.

They're in order.

Don't come back.

As for you, in future, try to be more careful.

Verdammte Schweinerei! He's given me a headache.

- Are you alone? - Yes. For the time being.

That's the way it goes!

What do you mean by that?

Quite simply that Modigliani will never sell.

Not in his lifetime, anyway.

Is that so? And may I know why?

Because he's cursed, old chap.

I don't believe so.

You're mistaken. Tell me...

How many Modiglianis have you sold?

A few.

- How many? - Three or four.

To friends.

Why the hell are you here?

Professional necessity, dear man.

I buy and sell paintings.

I'm here because Modigliani's work interests me very much.

Well! So you're going to buy one?

No. Not for the time being. I'll wait a bit.

He drinks a lot, your friend, and he won't stop.

People like him don't stop till the day...

And that day. great deal, Modigliani...

Get up!

There. And now?

Get out!

You're a bit puny to use that tone.

But I'm a peaceful man. I never kick up a fuss.

It's one of my rules.

Fine rules you have!

You'll never have one of Modi's pictures!

I'd rather sell my last shirt.

You're a swine, a loathsome swine!

A dealer in corpses!

See you at the cemetery then. Goodnight.

All breakages must be paid for, pal.

It'll cost you 100 francs at least.

Farewell then.

Darling, let's go home.

Please come.

- Don't you want to? - No I don't!

Modi!

There. That's it.

That's how you'll look when I'm on my death bed.

You're quiet.

Just say something, anything.

So I can at least hear the sound of your voice.

You're not angry I drank?

You're not demanding the change from the 1,000 for your portrait?

The Painter's Wife.

She's sold, the painter's wife.

Here. It's all I have left.

126.60 francs.

With this, we'll be able to eat.

No!

In the Seine.

I'm going to throw it in the Seine.

In the Seine. In the Seine!

At least it will think I'm rich, the Seine!

Modi! You'll fall!

She uttered a cry.

How about we end everything?

Why don't we both throw ourselves in?

Dying together, wouldn't you like that?

People would talk about us. The Modigliani legend.

Between a beautiful death and a bad life, no hesitation.

I give you the Seine.

It's my wedding present.

It won't change you.

You look like a drowned woman.

I'll do whatever you want.

She said yes.

That's all she can say. Yes, yes, yes!

Do you want to die? "Yes."

Sleep under bridges? "Yes."

Die of hunger? "Yes."

Walk the streets? "Yes."

The kid loves me. She loves me!

Is it my fault if she loves me?

Jeanne...

If you love me...

is it my fault?

Be nice, Modi, please.

You have to leave me.

You have to forget me.

My life is a mess.

Run before it's too late.

I don't want to be a bastard.

If you stay with me, I'll be a bastard.

Let me hold your arm.

Is he asleep?

Yes.

What are you doing? Painting postcards?

The bookstore in Rue de Rennes pays 25 cents.

I've done 7 in 2 days. This will make 8.

- I'll get 10 francs. - I hope he doesn't find out.

He won't. With the money, I'll buy some rice.

I'll have plenty and it will last us a long time.

I'm fond of you, kid, you know.

Zboro is fond of you too.

Jeanne, wake him! The taxi's waiting.

Give me a hand.

What's going on?

This.

This too.

Take all these and put them in the taxi.

- You have a buyer? - The buyer!

I'll tell you on the way.

Come, Jeanne, help me.

Hey, come on... What the hell are you doing?

Ah it's you, Zboro.

- Modi, get up. - Why are you shaking me?

I want you to come with me.

Why?

You're going to be rich. Do you hear?

I don't want to be rich.

Come on! We've got an appointment.

No.

I don't have an appointment.

I don't have any appointments.

But I've made an appointment, at the Ritz.

With a wealthy American. We'll sell him all your paintings.

Not all of them.

I'm not going to sell all my paintings in one go.

You'll sell whatever you like.

Come on, Modi! Please, I'm begging you!

Alright...

Just a second. Do you mind?

There.

Now...

I can go to the Ritz.

Put this on.

Dress up like a millionaire to sell a painting?

That's how you impress Americans.

Wearing a tie! For a guy who might not buy anything.

He seems determined. He's dying to meet you.

He'll bargain, negotiate, make us come back...

Impossible. He's going back to New York tonight.

You won't know what to do with all the money.

Seeing where I am, I'll sell them for a sandwich.

For Jeanne.

No nonsense. I'll do the talking.

You won't open your mouth. Just look at you!

Is it my work or my face you want to sell?

I'm not a whore.

Come on, Johnny, eat.

He doesn't want to eat!

Third floor.

It's this way.

Here. Sugar's very nourishing.

- Ready? - Let's get out of here.

No, not now. Don't make a scene.

Come in!

Send me 50 bottles of your natural champagne.

The one I drank last night with Mr Barre.

Do sit down.

I found a marvelous little bistro.

It's called Lapérouse. I buy my wine there.

It's wonderful.

- Allow me to introduce... - Mrs Modigliani.

- And... - Mr Modigliani.

The famous Mr Modigliani. Please have a seat.

- And Mr... - Zborowski.

Enchantée. Enchantée. Enchantée.

We must be quick.

The train leaves in an hour and my wife hates to rush.

- May I see the paintings? - Right away.

Here.

I love painting. Let me show you something.

Great acquisition.

Cezanne! A real Cezanne!

Yes. It shows.

A critic told me some amazing things about it.

Painting can't be explained.

Yes, but this critic is a very intelligent man.

Critics just talk codswallop.

What's codswallop?

What Modigliani means is

only poets are truly able to talk about painting

because they transpose. Like painters, actually.

What'll you have? Whiskey?

- Madam? - No thank you.

Something else? Dry, vermouth, cognac?

I don't drink, but I would love...

- Tell me. - A chocolate.

Cartier the jeweller's? Show them up please.

Thank you.

I have to put my Cezanne away.

I love this landscape.

Do you do landscapes too?

- No. - Shame.

Do you know what Van Gogh said?

He preferred to paint the eyes of...

Come with me.

Here's the necklace. And an ink pen for you.

This for my Cezanne.

When he buys a painting, I buy some jewellery.

It's fair, isn't it?

That's why you have to give me a discount.

Don't give him a discount! He's rich enough to pay.

Excuse me.

Well? What did Van Gogh say?

He said

he preferred to paint the eyes of people

than cathedrals.

As they possess something that cathedrals do not.

That's a blasphemation. Van Gogh drank a lot, didn't he?

Yes.

Not for pleasure.

To drown his sorrows.

Painting is also a job for true grafters, Mr Dickson.

No doubt, no doubt.

Yes. You bang your head against the wall.

Van Gogh said an amazing thing.

It's untranslatable in Millionaire.

He said to someone who criticized his excess,

"I had to drink

"to attain that high yellow note that I attained last summer."

But I don't like to speak of him when I sell a painting.

That's a blasphemation.

Show me the paintings.

Zboro...

First I'll show you a very pretty portrait.

No. All together, please. I prefer it that way.

- All together? - Yes. Put them there.

Let me help you.

Very nice. It's wonderful.

Excellent painting.

Very nice. Beautiful.

I like it a lot.

My husband is mad. We have to go, and he buys paintings.

Here. Have a chocolate.

They're delicious, you know.

- Sir? - No.

I'll leave you the box.

My wife is always rushing.

I love this idea of painting empty eyes.

- Outside of life. - That's so true.

And yet, there's a gaze in this blue.

As if into another life.

It's given me an idea.

This summer I'm launching a new eau de toilette.

An eau de toilette? Gosh.

L'Eau bleue. Blue Waves.

L'Eau bleue. That's a great name. And?

This painting will create a new brand for my fragrances.

L'Eau bleue. Blue Waves. I'll use it for the label.

Yes. Of course.

What do you mean, labels?

- On the bottles? - On the packaging too.

- And on the posters? - All over the world.

On walls?

I'll do huge billboards.

And in the metro?

- And on the pissotières? - What are they?

Come on, Jeanne.

What's all this?

What's got into you? Don't you understand?

I understand all too well.

Listen, I'm sorry. He's a little edgy.

But I'm sure we'll work something out.

Which picture do you like? This? Or this?

You see? It's too late. We're leaving.

It's too late for you too. Here's your farewell tip.

Thank you.

Madam, I'm sorry.

Here's your hat.

Porter! Don't forget this. My Cezanne is in it.

Modi! What a surprise! What are you doing here?

I came to sell some paintings.

I'm so happy for you.

This is Mr Fitzgibbon, my fiancé. He doesn't speak French.

Old Zboro!

- How are you? - Very well.

I'm writing a novel. I've put you all in it.

You put me through a lot.

I saw your exhibition. I absolutely loved it.

But what a business! All that because of my nude.

A charming nude. I wanted to show it to my fiancé.

He didn't yet know how I was formed.

Did you, Harry?

And I'm perfectly formed. Do you remember?

You might introduce me to your wife.

She seems charming.

Does he beat you too? I hope not.

Don't put up with it, otherwise you're doomed.

I'm off to Copenhagen. I'll get in touch on my return

so we can have a dinner party.

The five of us. It'd be lovely.

See you soon. Good luck.

Modi, are you alright?

Yes. Fine, fine.

Won't you come in for a drink?

Later.

Alright. Later, then.

My love...

Jeanne...

For us, on the other side,

there'll be everlasting joy, won't there?

Yes, Modi. Everlasting joy.

We'll be happy.

I'll love you.

Poor Jeanne.

Sorry.

Why, sorry?

I'm happy, you know. Very happy.

How dark it is.

Where are you going at this hour?

To look for money.

I'll find some.

From now on, you won't go hungry.

I promise.

Let me come with you.

- No. - Modi!

Little girls mustn't go out at night.

Good evening, Mr Modi.

Good evening.

I'm Modigliani. Five francs a sketch.

5 francs a sketch.

5 francs a sketch.

5 francs a sketch.

- 5 francs a sketch. - I said no!

I'm Modigliani. Five francs a sketch.

But there were two machine guns at the top of the steeple...

I'm Modigliani.

Five francs.

Five francs a sketch.

Five francs a sketch.

I'm Modigliani.

5 francs.

Five francs a sketch.

Here. Thank you.

It's very nice, but I wouldn't know what to do with it.

Well, old chap?

Who are you? I don't recognise your voice.

A friend.

Good evening.

Good evening, friend.

His family must be informed. Do you have his address?

He has no ID. The gentleman knows him,

but doesn't have his address.

Let's go. We'll investigate tomorrow.

Goodnight, gentlemen. And thank you.

I'm listening, old chap.

Yes, old chap. I'm listening.

I'm listening.

I'm listening, old chap.

There, that's it.

Could you try to find his address?

I'll try.

26 Rue Falguière.

Sorry, sir. I was expecting someone, so I was surprised.

Morel. Picture dealer.

But it's late, and I'm bothering you.

No, sir. Do come in.

Unfortunately, Mr Modigliani isn't here.

But he probably won't be long.

Don't you want to sit down?

No thank you. I'm fine.

It's rather late, and maybe you can't wait for him.

Give me a message, and I'll make sure he gets it.

May I?

Yes, please do. I'll fetch the lamp.

Do you like it, sir?

Very much. I like it a lot.

I am pleased. Modi is so talented.

Are you going to buy a painting?

I'm going to buy several.

May I?

Of course, sir. Whatever you like.

Modi will be so happy.

And I pay cash.

Sir, it isn't a question of money.

Modi is an artist. He needs encouragement.

It has been so long since anyone bought a painting.

Yes. I understand.

Subtitles - Eclair Group