Original subtitles

(Stroke of Luck)

Fanny?

Fanny Moreau?

Alain Aubert.

Wait, didn't you write for the school newspaper?

I did, yes.

Lycée Français in New York.

It's crazy to run into you here. What are you doing?

I-I-I was going to work...

I used to see you in the halls.

We both had the same teacher for Literature.

Mme. Dufresne?

Yes, I liked her a lot.

"Dead leaves picked up by the shovelful."

I can hear her voice as you say it.

"You see, I have not forgotten..."

"So are memories and regrets."

Jacques Prévert.

Right. It was already Paris.

Which way are you going?

I'm going to my office. But...

Oh, you work here? You moved here?

Yes... weren't you headed the other way?

That's the beauty of being a writer, you make your own hours.

At the time my father worked for a French company

stationed in New York so I went to the Lycée.

And my father worked at the U.N. They're gone now.

So you're a writer?

It's incredible bumping into you.

What a coincidence.

Yes I'm a writer.

I'm in town for the summer. I'm writing a book.

Of course it's taking longer than I thought.

But I lived in Paris once.

When I was married. It's a long story.

I remember your articles in the school paper.

They were the only thing worth reading.

Now I'm really flattered. So you live here?

My husband works here.

And what do you do?

I work at an auction gallery.

So you're not Fanny Moreau anymore.

I'm Mme. Fanny Fournier.

I'm surprised you recognized me.

I'd know you anywhere.

I used to have such a crush on you. Don't get me started.

Here's where I work.

I'm only a few blocks from here.

So you don't live here.

No, I've lived a few places.

Right now I'd say London.

What's your book about?

Oh god, is it ten to three?

It was nice seeing you. Good luck with the book.

Hey listen, if you ever want to have lunch

and reminisce, I'm free as a bird.

Sure. I'm here.

What is your married name? Fournier?

Madame Fournier.

The people from Monaco are auctioning off the whole estate.

The jewels, the paintings, the costume collection which is fabulous.

Are you writing this down?

We'll have to put in an appearance at the party and we can leave.

I'd love Edgar to get us to the country before it's dark.

You said we could stay in the city this weekend.

I know but the weather's so beautiful and Bernard and Chloé

are coming with Pierre Hersant.

You look dynamite.

That dress looks wonderful, that's how I like you.

Let the other husbands eat their hearts out.

Don't you think it's a little too sexy?

There's no such thing. It's like being too rich.

Here, I picked up something for you.

Oh, Jean.

It's beautiful but it's too extravagant.

Good, I want to spoil you.

You do spoil me.

Let me show you what I bought myself. C'mere.

- Look. - This one there?

Yes! That's the one.

Look, it's a vintage Märklin and it works perfectly.

You never grew up.

I grew up, believe me. Hey, put it on.

Is something wrong?

No, it's beautiful. I always feel a little self-conscious

wearing such high-end jewelry. It's not really me.

Maybe it's not who you were when I met you but I took one look at you

that New Year's Eve and I said - she's a princess and before the year ends

she's going to be my queen.

Here, put it on.

So really you're the spoiled one who always gets what he wants.

What can I say, you were a pushover.

I was vulnerable.

You gonna tell me you had too much to drink? Wear it tonight.

Not with this dress.

Stop it, put it on.

It's lovely but you know I always feel self-conscious in fancy jewelry.

Once a rebel, always a rebel.

But now you're a society lady.

Do we really need to have another weekend in the country?

All you guys go hunting or hiking and I'm not very outdoorsy.

Then just get some rest, some reading done

and enjoy some freshly shot deer.

- And some of those wives... - You're thinking of Delphine.

She's so full of herself and so materialistic. Talk about shallow.

Stop complaining and put on the ring.

I want my wife to be the most elegant woman in my peer group.

My ring may be high society but my soul is still a rebel.

I'll handle your soul.

You knock 'em dead with your entrance.

You're making me into a trophy wife.

Believe me, nobody's ever gonna say you're a trophy wife.

There's Jean Fournier and his trophy wife.

Don't say that. She's adorable. And bright.

I agree. They make a lovely couple.

He's a very lucky man, no question.

Well he's so charming.

I find him very attractive.

Yes, and it doesn't hurt that he's so delightfully solvent.

He's supposed to be a brilliant businessman.

But what the hell does he do?

Nobody can ever pin down exactly how he makes his money.

What are you implying?

Not that there's something shady?

I know he's very generous with charities.

But I know what she's saying. He's a Gatsby-like figure.

You're never sure exactly what he's involved in.

Don't ever say I said this but didn't one of his business partners

come to some bad end?

He drowned or absconded.

They say it was suicide, or even murder.

I never heard that.

Yes, I heard it too. He disappeared.

I shouldn't talk because I don't know.

Come on tell us!

Ok, ok.

There was something in the papers when it happened but

it was before my time here.

He drowned or whatever.

And Jean stood to gain. I don't know, it's all gossip.

Thank god for gossip.

Without it we'd be stuck with real facts.

She's not wrong.

- It's all gossip. - Yes.

Wow! What an attentive husband.

It's beautiful.

It's a quid pro quo.

I buy her things like that and she comes with me

to the country even though she hates the outdoors.

No, I love swimming. That's the extent of my athleticism.

Her mother's the adventurous one in the family.

Loves to hike, kayak, fish and even to hunt.

None of it rubbed off.

By the way we're going to the countryside this weekend.

Would you be interested in hunting deer?

- It's a lot of fun. - Love to but I can't.

- It's a good energy release. - We're vegetarians.

Vegetarians? Sorry, I didn't know.

So any news or gossip to get my adrenaline going?

Tell me my friend...

Do you want a drink?

You're bored, but I have to spend another weekend in the woods.

I know. It's beautiful but dull.

I'll finish Appointment in Samarra, which I love.

Thank you.

Oh, I was on Avenue Montaigne and I ran into a guy

I haven't seen since high school.

He recognized me right away.

See, you've retained your girlish figure.

It turns out he had a mad crush on me.

And he tells you that now?

All those years came back to me.

That's all I could think about at work this afternoon.

That was the happiest time in my life.

My whole future seemed so full of promise before I screwed it up.

What I remember about this guy is his jeans and burgundy jacket.

I wonder if he had spoken to me then

if he told me he had a big crush on me, would it have led to something?

A very different life for me?

Would you want a different life?

The one thing I learned from my first marriage is that

you don't have to work at it. Or shouldn't have to.

It shouldn't be a chore, it should be something you look forward to.

I was at an auction only once.

Pierre and I bid on a pair of diamond clips

that originally belonged to Marie-Antoinette.

- Did you get them? - I did.

And I wore them to a summer ball the Prince

was giving in Monaco. They were much admired.

I would hope, for what I paid.

And we're really going for deer?

I don't know if I have the nerve to shoot a deer.

Me neither!

If I came face to face with a deer, I couldn't pull the trigger.

- But we will see. - Anyone who would look a deer

in the eye and kill it is capable of infanticide.

- It's so tasty. - And this wine is delicious.

It's a 2010. I thought of you.

I recommend you all do an eating tour of Japan.

I'm not a big fan of Japanese cooking.

I'm glad you like it. The cook is off this weekend.

Ours quit.

We've been looking but it's so hard to find good help.

And it's hard to keep them.

Especially a cook.

I know what you mean, and Pierre is so particular.

You were right, Delphine is a bit snobbish...

They admire you.

Well it doesn't hurt that I give generously to their foundations.

Chloé asked me yet again exactly what you do.

I told her I'm married to you and I can't figure it out.

For Christ's sake, why does everyone have me down as the mystery man?

I've explained it to you many times.

And yet I still...

I make money for people. That's as simple as I can put it.

Wealthy people come to me whose desire it is to become more wealthy

or to minimize their taxes or to pass their wealth on to their children.

It's hard to do, so I help them.

And from that I earn my daily bread.

And everything's legal?

Practically.

Fanny? It's Alain.

Alain Aubert, your classmate.

Oh hi. What's up?

I'm just outside your office and I thought if you were free for lunch

today, or any day this week...

Oh, um... Yes. I can have lunch today.

Great.

I know a great place right in the neighborhood.

I don't have much time and it's so nice out.

I was thinking of eating in the park.

It's exactly my thought.

I'll get some sandwiches and meet you in front of your office building.

At twelve-thirty? One?

Great. See you soon.

I live right over there.

What's your story? Are you married? You have a family?

Divorced, no kids.

I don't know if you remember her, I married Anne Sorel.

- No. - She went to our school.

She played in the production of L'Alouette by Jean Anouilh.

I didn't know her.

Very pretty.

- Actually... - What?

I fell in love with her because she reminded me of you.

Don't get embarrassed.

How can I not?

Well you had that great natural look, very bohemian.

I just couldn't take my eyes off you.

I'm flattered and embarrassed.

And you were so popular.

Yes, I should have paid more attention to school and less to boys.

Where do you want to sit?

- Here? - Yes.

Anyhow, I started dating Anne

and one thing led to another and we moved to Paris,

and eventually got married, then reality set in.

How long were you married?

Not long.

A few years was all either of us could take.

I never realized breaking up could be so messy.

I left Paris, I never wanted to see it again.

I moved to Barcelona, then London, now I'm back doing this book.

Yes, when a marriage doesn't work it's painful.

I always figured you'd marry a painter or a poet.

You'd live in a garret.

Close. I married a musician. Very sensitive but drugs.

That's sad.

Then at a New Year's party, Jean noticed me across a crowded room

and became besotted with me.

I was besotted with you too.

I was dying to talk to you but...

Low self esteem won the day.

I was really lost and he led me out of a dark place.

- Kids? - No.

What's he do?

Makes rich people richer.

Nice.

Tell me about your book.

- You really want to know? - Yes.

It's about a Parisian nightclub singer and a jazz drummer.

And I realize I knew very little about that world.

I've never been to any of the jazz clubs in Paris.

- You want some chestnuts? - Oh yes.

One cone, please.

You got it.

It's really about irony. How ironic life can be.

How we're ruled by chance and coincidence.

And what a farce life is, a black farce.

Keep the change.

Look, we both go to the same high school.

I'm in love with you from afar at seventeen.

We never speak and now years later we pass each other

walking on a street in Paris.

What could be more ironic?

If we wound up together?

Me with the artsy-looking girl with the black turtleneck sweater.

I'm sorry to disappoint you but I didn't turn out to be

the artsy bohemian, not by a long shot.

You're quite elegant but to me you'll always be Fanny Moreau with

the big leather bag and the Henri Mongault translation

of Anna Karenina under her arm.

But now I'm Fanny Fournier.

Such is life.

Despite our plans, it's out of our hands more than we like to admit.

Oh my god, I'm really late.

If you like eating alfresco I'd be happy to buy more sandwiches another day.

You can always give a call.

Hello! You both look so good!

Glad you could make it.

It's the world's greatest mother-in-law.

Did you have a good flight?

Between the turbulence, the rotten movie and alcoholic next to me -

- it was the trip from hell. - She kills me.

How is New York?

I like living there. Except for the winters,

then your father and I go to Palm Springs.

How long are you here for?

Only for the day. I'm leaving for Brittany tomorrow.

My sister had surgery and needs someone while she rehabs.

But I couldn't come all this way without seeing my two favorite humans.

Too bad you're not staying longer, we could have gone up to the country.

No kayaking, no hikes and no hunting.

I know you love it.

I'll come back on my way home. I don't know how long

I'll be with Sophie, those back things are tricky.

What do you have in here, bar bells?

All the books I'm meaning to read at Sophie's.

Don't you have a laptop?

I can't stand reading on a laptop. I enjoy the feel of turning pages.

- Where shall we go for dinner? - Someplace quiet, where we can talk.

I think what your mother likes is a place we can get foie gras

and Chateau Margaux, right?

What a memory.

High cholesterol and expensive wine, you two are a match made in heaven.

I put lilies in the guest room. I had them service the fireplace

and I bought a new reading light because last time you said...

As long as you have the board for under my mattress.

Would I ever forget your board?

It was delicious.

- Your mother's a real eater. - Of course.

Caroline?

- Oh hello, how are you? - Very well. My mother.

This is Caroline and Marcel. They're friends.

They're the couple we visited Corsica with.

We're thinking of the South Seas this year if you're interested.

It's a long trip but it's beautiful.

I'll call you. We can discuss it.

Do come, it'll be fun.

I've gone a few times. It's very romantic.

- Have a good night. - Enjoy your meal.

The South Seas sounds so exotic but not with them.

She's so boring. He's fine.

Marcel wrote a very good book on Gauguin.

I can't warm up to him.

- Not because... - Yes, I've said it before.

I can't stand the way he looks at you.

It's so obvious he has a little thing for you.

Marcel is totally crazy about Caroline.

And he is hardly the type to cheat on her.

Maybe he'd make an exception for you.

If I ever cheated it would not be with Marcel Blanc.

I'm sorry but I don't like him.

He's harmless.

You should feel flattered your husband regards you as a treasure.

Yes, Jean is the possessive type.

You said you wouldn't cheat with Marcel.

With whom then?

Well let's see, Mick Jagger and Alain Delon are too old.

I don't know.

Ah, my foie gras.

Wonderful, my frog legs.

- What time is your plane tomorrow? - I'm taking the train.

I wish I could stay longer.

I'd love to go to the country with you this weekend.

Did Jean say we were going to the country again?

Why, is that bad?

Boring. For me, not him.

And he invites the dullest people.

But his whole social set is so accomplished.

They're superficial. Money is their accomplishment.

They talk money and a lot of stuff like the best hotels

and if you mention a city like Rome or Madrid,

all they talk about is the best places to eat there.

And I don't like hunting or hiking.

Then invite some of your friends so you'll have something to do.

Jean's not very comfortable around my friends.

He's eased a lot of them out. I never see Carla or Antoine

nor Dominique. And they all live in Paris.

If you ask me they were no bargains.

You always see things from his point of view.

He loves you. It's sweet.

He has charisma. He's a quantum leap up

from that loser first husband you had.

You didn't lose out on this.

Camille come and see what I bought, you'll like it.

Let's see.

Aren't these beautiful? They're Märklin from the 1950s.

- Wonderful. - Yes.

I always loved trains.

When I was a boy I was always picked on, by my parents,

my so-called friends, and my impulse was to just

get on a train and escape anywhere.

Here I am on a train going someplace and suddenly it enters a tunnel.

Dark, sinister and frightening.

Only then do I see what life is.

And I finally see some light and the tunnel opens up.

When I come out, I'm changed.

I'm no longer this boy, weak and afraid.

I am someone else.

How sad to be picked on when you're a kid.

I'll bet you were very cute. - Yes I was.

I love this park but it's a little far from my office.

But it's so beautiful. That's what I missed most about Paris...

...all the pretty parks.

Yes, I can come back a little bit late and it won't be terrible.

I see you this way and my whole life is passing before my eyes.

I'm back in high school and there you are walking...

no, flying through the halls and my heart is thumping.

How's your book coming? Can I read some of it?

Really?

What you told me about coincidence and irony intrigued me.

I get the impression you're a big believer in luck.

I wouldn't be having lunch with you after having

longed for you from afar if it wasn't for coincidence.

Nice.

- How much? - Three euros.

He's my favorite poet.

They really knew how to say it.

Thank you.

There's no gift like the gift of poetry.

I'm tired from doing nothing.

You seemed a little distracted all weekend.

Really?

No, I'm okay.

I'm sorry if I was a bore. I don't mean to be.

I get carried away by what I do.

I don't mean to be a complainer either.

Leave it on.

I think it's going to rain.

I had a great idea. I live so close

we can go to my apartment and I can make us lunch there.

And you can read a few pages of my book.

I'd love to read your book.

Can you cook or is that going to be my job?

I can do it. As long as we stick to spaghetti and meatballs.

I can't think of anything I'd rather eat. Can I help?

Of course. Do you like to cook?

What kind of wine is this? It's delicious.

I know nothing about wine. It was on sale.

Jean only drinks very expensive Burgundies.

You like living in Paris?

I loved New York but I grew up in Brittany

and I always dreamed of living in Paris.

I always imagined I'd live here too until my marriage came apart.

It left me with a sour taste.

After that I decided I wouldn't marry again or return to Paris.

And that's another beauty of being a writer.

You can work anywhere.

I've written in Bogotá, in Mexico, even in Montreal.

It's a very charming apartment.

I rented it all furnished. I had to pay six months in advance

but it's perfect for a writer, it's La Bohème.

I'm a lucky guy.

My life would be different if I hadn't bumped into you on the street.

What are you doing?

Must be the wine working its magic.

But you know the situation.

Yes, but since I was always in love with you

and we're two New York school kids alone in Paris...

It was selfish of me.

I guess I shouldn't have let things get this far.

Why did you?

Because I liked seeing you and spending time together.

I found myself looking forward to meeting you for lunch.

Me too.

But I shouldn't be looking forward to it.

Can I ask you a question?

Are you happily married?

I thought I was but I don't know anymore.

I rushed into it.

I went through hell with my first husband and Jean came along

and was so dynamic. He took charge and he adored me

and wanted me to be his wife right off.

- He must be crazy about you. - Yes.

Though in a way I'm his trophy wife.

And do you love him?

Yes.

I love him but then what the hell am I doing here?

So far, nothing.

Why should I think about you when you're not around?

Where were you today?

Work.

I called you at work.

I took a long lunch hour.

I tried your cell.

Must have been on silent. I guess I forgot to turn it back on.

Jesus, what if it was an emergency?

Was it?

No. But I want to be able to always reach you.

Well you can. I just forgot.

I wanted to know if you wanted to have lunch.

My meeting got cancelled.

I had a business lunch.

With who?

Some people who want to sell their Basquiat.

Well, that's too bad.

I found a nice Japanese place, I wanted to treat you.

Where'd you wind up?

Huh?

What's wrong with you? It's like you're in a daze.

Where'd you eat?

I ate at, at Café Phillipe.

Café Philippe? It's so far.

And there was a strike.

Yeah it was the worst.

I'm glad to see you're taking your exercises seriously these days.

I always told you it's important, keeping in shape is a priority.

Hi, it's me.

What a nice surprise. What's up?

I don't know.

What do you mean you don't know? What's wrong?

I don't know why I called.

I don't feel good.

Well, whatever the reason I'm glad to hear from you.

I don't know what to say.

A crush that's lasted this many years...

What else can I say. You were my first love.

- You ok? - Yes.

- Who were you on the phone with? - When?

Just earlier, I heard you deep in conversation.

Oh, after my exercise?

It was this client who keeps changing her mind

about wanting to make a bid on something.

Some people are just incapable of making decisions.

When I make a decision, I stick to it.

Thank you very much, how much?

Three euro, please.

I hate myself so much for lying.

And yet I lie.

Thank you very much.

What is that?

You asked me what my book was about, if I believed in luck.

Here, next Friday, it's a very big jackpot.

The odds of you winning are one in 139,838,260.

I know it seems impossible but when you think of the odds

of you being born, which are one in four hundred quadrillion,

it means you already hit the jackpot.

Each person that exists is a miracle, beating unbelievable odds

much greater than the lottery.

So don't squander your miracle.

That's the true miracle.

I'm having an affair.

No way!

I have to tell somebody. You're the only person I trust.

If Jean finds out it's the end of my marriage.

What am I doing? I'm so wracked with guilt.

Who with?

The boy I went to school with years ago.

The one I told you about.

How long?

I hope I'm not just taken with the romance of it.

Well how serious has it gotten?

I was so determined not to let it grow into anything

but I found myself having more and more fantasies and feelings.

He's here writing a book.

My advice is cut it short now if you can.

Before it destroys your marriage.

I keep telling myself it's an affair. Just transient.

I still love my husband. But I have feelings for this guy

but I don't know what I'm doing - but I'm excited by it.

Of course he'd love nothing more than if I said I'd go off with him.

It's like he's been waiting his whole life for me.

How ironic.

Everyone thought you had a great marriage.

I have fantasies of running off with him, of living a different life.

But I don't want to squander the remainder of my life.

I want a family, meanwhile all I have is anxiety.

It's going to be alright.

Hi darling.

- What's that you're hiding? - Nothing.

- I mean, I saw you. - No.

- I saw it, what are you hiding? - Nothing.

- What is it? Show me. - No, it's nothing.

Show me.

Show me what you're hiding, goddamnit.

Here, I'll show you. That's what I'm hiding.

A lottery ticket.

- Where did you get that? - I bought it.

Since when do you play the lottery?

I read in the paper it was such a big jackpot.

A big jackpot.

You know what the odds of winning are?

Very small.

So small one could say near zero.

You'd have to play for many lifetimes to win.

Give it to me.

Somebody wins.

That's how they get you.

It's stupid.

Why were you hiding it from me?

Because you thought I'd think you were foolish?

You could never be foolish to me.

No, she's out to lunch.

I'm not sure. She said she might be tied up all afternoon.

I get so nervous when we're in public together.

That's why I think eating here was a great idea, far from your office.

We don't know anyone around.

I'm having lunch in the park.

I just got a sandwich. It's such a nice day.

By yourself?

I'm reading the paper.

You want me to join you?

No, no I'm finished.

I just had to get out of the office.

Alright then. Have a good afternoon.

I love it.

Do you always write in longhand?

Yes. When I'm all done I type it up.

I always find a person's creative process so fascinating.

I keep adding pages and I never like to re-read anything.

What are you thinking?

That since I met you the time has passed so fast.

I'm sure you must be anxious to get back to London.

Not really. I have nobody waiting.

No family, no girlfriends.

I've gotten to love this apartment.

And of course you've made the whole thing a dream come true.

But...

The truth is I was thinking of staying on.

Did I say something wrong?

Not at all. I'm just mixed up.

I don't mean to put any pressure on you.

I know.

I know you're married and it's not likely to change but...

If you come to any decisions on your own, I'm there for you.

Good morning.

This way, please.

Joséphine, my partner.

Please sit.

What can I do for you?

I suspect my wife is having an affair. And I have to know.

And what gives you this suspicion?

A million little things.

None dispositive, but I feel certain things amiss.

I could be wrong.

I hope I'm wrong because I love her.

But I have to know.

Do you have an idea who the man is?

Not really.

Many men find her attractive. She's alluring, delightful.

A very desirable woman.

We'll need all the information you can give us.

Photos, if possible.

How quickly can you find out?

That depends on your wife's actions.

If anything is going on we'll find out

and it usually doesn't take long.

And of course discreetly.

Are you sure you want to know the truth?

Am I sure?

Sometimes a spouse has an affair so brief

that the other spouse never knows of it.

And the marriage continues on quite happily and successfully...

Mr. Fournier?

Pardon? I'm sorry.

Please do your research.

I'll get you all the necessary information

and a photo of my wife.

Happy Birthday dear Jean...

Happy Birthday to you.

Thank you everyone. Thank you.

I don't know how but...

I'm older but no wiser. Where did I go wrong?

For André's birthday we're going to Venice. I hope you'll join.

- Well I love Venice but... - But what?

I thought we had already agreed, if you could get off from work.

I was talking with your wife, she's a really interesting person.

-Thanks. Yours too. - And very beautiful.

- Very, very pretty. - Yes she is.

Happy Birthday.

- Thanks for inviting us. - Of course.

I hear your wife picked this incredible place.

We like coming here, but it's her special spot.

We're two lucky men to have such lovely wives.

Do you ever worry that your wife might

become attracted to another man?

I did at first but it's not in Marion's DNA to cheat.

On the other hand, anything's possible. Remember Olivier Wargon?

He caught his wife having an affair with their marriage counselor.

It was sad and also farcical.

Marion would never take advantage of me.

First, because it's not in her nature

and she knows I would kick her right out.

The two of them lying there after,

laughing together at the humiliated husband.

Of course, on a more realistic note...

Well, let's just be thankful.

Have I shown you my electric train setup?

You have and I'm impressed. It's...

Beautiful, right? All those mechanisms.

Yes, it's incredible craftsmanship.

- Oh, pardon me. - Excuse me.

- Hello. - Hello Fabrice.

- Two glasses of... red wine? - Yes.

- Take a seat, I'll bring them. - Thank you.

- What can I get you? - A beer.

Coming right up.

Maybe I should just tell Jean I need some space for myself

to think things over and work things out.

I love you.

Be honest with me. Do you love me?

At first I thought I could just see you as an old acquaintance,

then I fell into an affair, and now I want to be with you all the time.

Why did you have to run into me on the street. It's ironic.

I don't believe in irony, or chance.

And I have no respect for people who count on luck.

There's no such thing as luck. We make our luck.

- I'm sorry, sir. - I can't say it's a pretty picture.

But reality is so often unattractive.

- Would you like a drink? - Who is he?

- It's all in the report. - A cognac, please.

Okay Mom, I'm glad to hear she's doing well.

Come whenever you want, your bedroom is always ready.

I'm ok, I just have some decisions to make.

I'll tell you about it.

Ah, there's Jean. I gotta go.

Yes, bye.

- Hi sweetheart. - Hello.

- Who was that? - My mom.

- Oh, is she coming? - In a few days.

Great. I can't wait to see her.

I figured we'd eat in tonight, take it easy.

You've been working late all week.

Sure.

I've got some paperwork to do anyhow,

you can catch up on your reading.

How's your work coming?

Well you know, it's been pretty hectic.

Sorry if I've seemed distracted. It'll get better.

I gotta make a phone call.

- Can you get me a cognac? - Sure.

Suzanne, could you bring a cognac?

...to the other side. Be quiet now.

Hey... Can you talk?

Sure. Problem?

We need to meet.

Nothing we can't handle.

Is tomorrow three o'clock good? The usual spot.

Great, see you tomorrow. Bye.

- Everything okay? - A-okay.

I was thinking back today about how we met.

The first time I laid eyes on you at Fred Fox's New Year's party.

You had on that black dress.

That was right after my divorce.

- I wasn't very... - I never told you but

when I first spoke to you that night,

I was really hoping you wouldn't turn out to be a twit.

Thank you, Suzanne.

You turned out to be the opposite.

A winner.

Loyal.

Everything I wanted in a woman.

- Are you ok? - Yes.

I still remember the song they were playing.

Hey, are you crying?

Nostalgia always makes me sad.

Don't be sad.

It all turned out great.

I became the happiest man in the world.

Here's his photo. Here's where he lives.

And I don't want anything turning up somewhere.

Not like the last time.

I just want him gone.

We got the twin-engine plane. We'll fly him out over the Atlantic

and get rid of him there.

It's an ugly world Dragos, don't you agree?

For sure.

But when some people die, it automatically becomes better,

a nicer place for everybody.

We took good care of your partner.

I worked hard for my money. I didn't get it handed to me

on a silver platter from some bloated rich father.

We'll take care of this situation.

He's going to disappear. Right Milos?

I haven't been dreaming for years but since I found you

I started dreaming again.

Weird, right?

Last night I had a dream we were living in Mexico.

I guess because you mentioned it the other day.

Everything was simple.

We had a family, and we were walking in the rain.

When I woke up I had a warm feeling all morning.

At least we share the same dreams.

I keep re-reading poems in the book you got me.

Aren't they lovely?

The one by Mallarmé about the swan frozen in ice

always makes me cry.

We'll all get frozen in ice if we don't act before winter comes

and the ice freezes over and we're stuck forever.

Jean is a wonderful person.

I have to be honest with him if we want to have a future together.

Gone!

- How'd the auction go? - Fine.

I wanted to talk to you about something.

- Later, we're already late. - It's important.

Not now, Marc and Linda are at the restaurant already.

C'mon, hurry up.

We were gonna go to Saint Martin but the hurricane wrecked it.

We spent our honeymoon there.

What was the thing we loved over there?

- Suckling pig. - The suckling pig!

It's nice to see you. How are you?

- You gonna be okay? - My head is spinning.

You have to stick with white wine.

Why... Why didn't you stop me?

Hey, I'm your husband, not your chaperone.

We had fun.

Right?

It's done.

Completely?

The package is at the bottom of the ocean.

Did you get rid of all his stuff?

Nothing to connect anyone with anything?

Appointment books, computer, phone numbers?

Great.

I'll see you at three at the usual spot.

I'll take good care of you. You won't be disappointed.

Where's Mr. Fournier?

He said he had to get in early and didn't want to wake you.

He said you weren't feeling so well last night.

Can I get you anything?

- Just coffee, please. - Very well.

It's me, just checking in.

Call me back when you get a chance. Bye.

The Saudi jewels go on display next week and we'll need photos.

Am I ordering for you today or are you eating out?

I have a lunch appointment, thanks.

Hi darling, I just wanted to make sure you were alright.

You were pretty shot last night.

I'm fine, I'm meeting some clients for lunch.

Where?

Not sure yet.

Okay, I won't bother you anymore then. I'll see you tonight.

Feel better. I love you, bye.

Do you need something?

You need to go over the photos of those Saudi jewels.

Right.

You have to highlight about a dozen

and go over them with Mr. Tisserant.

I'll do it. Sorry, I forgot.

These are good.

You okay? You seem distracted.

No, I'm fine.

You need to make a phone call?

Can I? Just for a minute.

Of course. You want privacy?

No, no need.

I've been trying to reach you all day, where are you?

I'm starting to get worried. Call me back.

Alain? Are you there?

Alain?

What's the matter, sweetheart?

You look all frazzled.

What?

You're not feeling well? You haven't touched your dinner.

I'm just a little tired.

You may still be a bit hungover from the vodka.

Well eat something, it's not good to go without food.

I think I'm going to be sick.

- You okay? - Why does everyone

ask me if I'm okay? I'm fine.

I'm fine.

- You just seemed... - I just couldn't sleep last night.

Please leave me alone.

Hope all went well.

Yes, very well, but I'm so glad to have a little vacation time.

Hey, look at you. You look a little pale.

She had one night where she drank too much

and she's never been the same.

I haven't been sleeping well.

- How come? - I think she overworks,

she's been running around. - It'll pass.

Of course it will.

It's so unlike you. Usually she never drinks

and sleeps like a baby. - I'm fine!

Everybody keeps treating me like I'm an outpatient.

If you don't stop I will go off the deep end.

Okay, she's right. Let's all back off

and enjoy the last lovely days of the year.

Yes, back off. Everybody give me some space.

How long has this been going on?

Not long. It'll die down.

I think she's just been working late all week and she's exhausted.

- I'll have a talk with her. - Yes, I'm glad you're here.

You always have a good influence on her.

- Now what's on your mind? - Let's not get into that.

I'm sorry but you're clearly not yourself.

- I'm not? - No.

Stop it. Whatever is consuming you, you have to unburden yourself.

It's not fair to Jean.

No, I haven't been fair to Jean.

Meaning what?

You won't understand. You'll hate me.

Because you're having an affair?

How did you know?

What do you think I am, a rookie?

You're a wreck.

Jean says you've been working too much, yeah right.

You changed your look, you exercise regularly, gimme a break.

Who's the guy? Although it's hard to top Jean.

It started months ago. I was in the street and saw this old acquaintance...

I don't get how you could cheat on a terrific man like Jean?

And clearly with another loser

just like your first husband. - He's not a loser.

Right. It's fine as long as he's sleeping with you

and you're married but the minute you get serious about

leaving Jean for him, he vanishes. Classic.

No note, no text, nothing.

It's not who he is. He was crazy about me since high school.

- What if something happened to him? - Like what?

He was a quiet man, a poet, he had no enemies.

There was no sign of foul play. He just took all his stuff.

He obviously got cold feet and couldn't face me.

I just wonder if you should call the police.

I did call the police.

But when they asked who I was I panicked and hung up.

What could I say?

I don't believe anything happened to him.

I wasn't gonna call the morgue. He certainly didn't take

his wardrobe to the morgue.

I don't know. How can you not check the morgue?

Stop being so melodramatic, he's not at the morgue.

And I can't let my name be involved. I don't want Jean to find out.

Christ, it's clear what happened.

As long as I was married and unavailable we could flirt,

he could sleep with me. When he began to realize

it was getting serious and maybe I'd leave Jean, he ran for the hills.

Are your problems with Jean so great that you can't work them out?

No. I'm just a selfish spoiled brat.

Oh, you're here.

What are you two so deep in conversation about?

None of your business.

- Well, while you're chatting... - Girl talk.

I came up with a terrific idea.

We're friends with an American couple. Jack and Rita Prescott.

I ran into Jack and he and Rita just had a party

in Chicago where they renewed their wedding vows

and I found that whole idea so romantic.

I thought while your mother was here we could do the same.

What do you think?

What?

Why not? I'd love to celebrate our time together.

I think that's a charming idea.

My god, you're not saying anything.

- Should I be worried? - No.

No, It's just... You don't think it's a little corny?

It's very American, true. But I think it's beautiful.

People do it all the time in the United States.

Your dad and I went to one in Brooklyn.

- It was very sweet. - See?

You're right, it's very charming.

I'm sorry for seeming like a pill. I'm all for it.

Don't worry. We don't have to make a huge production.

Just a nice party with friends.

I know exactly what I'm wearing.

Thank you everyone for coming.

We will now renew our wedding vows.

Honey, would you be my wife again?

Yes.

Thank you my friends, thank you.

Love is a very complicated business. The heart is so ruthless.

Because you're dealing with feelings and feelings don't compromise.

Feelings take no prisoners.

And yet somehow people find each other and stay together.

Yes, when they're lucky.

Some even feel moved to renew their vows.

I thought the ceremony was beautiful.

Congratulations!

A toast to the old newlyweds.

- Thank you. - Cheers to you.

We got married on a cruise ship off the Dalmatian Coast.

We both got seasick, we thought it was a bad omen

but now it's fifteen years later.

And we both still get seasick.

I got so sad during the ceremony

because our neighbor's daughter was supposed to get married

and she was left at the altar in front of her whole family.

And they never heard from that bum again, he disappeared.

Except a month later someone ran into him in Panama

and he had married a porn star.

It's not uncommon for men to panic when they're about to commit.

Yes and they usually duck out at the last minute.

I saw a TV documentary on people who vanish and

are never heard from again.

Turns out they found evidence of abductions...

...by aliens! - I can tell you that none of these

nervous bridegrooms got kidnapped by Martians.

And I say we can't rule it out.

Well, I guess anything is possible.

Jean's old business partner could be on a spaceship in another galaxy.

Didn't he float up somewhere? Or they weren't sure it was him?

The story is he mysteriously vanished years ago.

He could be on Mars or Jupiter.

He never reappeared married to a hooker.

- Jean's partner vanished? - Yes.

It was in the papers, the guy suddenly disappeared.

We thought maybe he scammed someone or something,

and awhile back there was some story of someone floating up,

they thought it might have been him but they weren't sure.

I don't think they ever closed that case.

Alien abduction. I'm telling you.

The government covers it up.

- Your friends are so nice. - That's true.

What a day. Thank you, it was marvelous.

Time for me to go to bed.

- Sleep well. - Good night.

I'm spent. And all I had was white wine.

And champagne. I'm going to take a quick shower

and go to bed. - It was a great party.

We have wonderful friends

and everyone agreed you never looked lovelier.

- You certainly celebrated to the max. - Because I was so happy.

- I never saw you drink that much. - You've never seen me that happy.

Can I confess something?

Confess?

Over the last months I've acted pretty erratically.

I've been very stressed at work and...

I don't know, I kind of lost my way a little, my focus,

and at times I may have seemed kind of obnoxious or

out of it but I'm over it.

I passed through a kind of low mood...

All I'm saying is, I feel very solid.

I've done some thinking too,

and maybe it is time to talk about having kids.

You're wonderful.

I'm a very lucky woman. - I'm the lucky one.

You say that but you say you don't believe in coincidence or luck.

I make my own luck.

Jean?

Yes?

Someone told me a weird story earlier at the party

about your partner disappearing years ago.

Why do you ask? Who told you that?

That silly man, Gilles, who believes in alien abductions.

Why not, but during that conversation someone mentioned it.

Gilles is a moron.

He's an alcoholic and completely delusional.

He's a UFO idiot.

Someone said it was a big thing back then.

There was even talks of a murder.

For a few weeks it was gossip and then it faded.

Everyone got so paranoid, such wild accusations...

What kind of wild accusations?

I don't remember, business things.

This guy was demented.

He made up stories about me. Like I was responsible for shortages.

I swear to you Camille, there are some people...

Then he disappeared, just like that.

What do you think of this one?

It's nice.

Alain would have liked it.

Is he still on your mind?

Only when I feel angry because I was duped.

I feel guilty I deceived Jean. I mean to make it up to him.

And you're sure Jean never knew about your affair?

I'm sure.

And you still feel certain there was no foul play involved?

I don't think like you. You have a suspicious, evil-minded streak.

I'm your sweet daughter. I take after Dad.

You remind me of this guy with the flying saucers.

Mom...

Alain wasn't abducted by aliens. He just dumped me

because he wasn't who I thought he was.

Why do you ask these questions?

I was just giving full rein to my sinister imagination.

Well rein in your grim dramatic fantasies

and quit reading crime fiction.

FINANCIER GOES MISSING

Are you finished with your book?

I saw your mother this afternoon at a café.

She was so absorbed by her book that I startled her.

What book was it?

Just a Simenon.

I've only read one detective novel in my life. I don't like them.

They always make the detective's job so glamorous

but whenever I've hired one I was very disappointed.

They were never like the ones in movies or books.

Why would you need a private detective?

Well, for my job.

So much chicanery going on in the financial world.

I'm sure.

You were recommended by Mr. Fournier.

Jean Fournier.

I have a suspicion of domestic infidelity and he said you did

a very good job for him in his marital situation,

and were very discreet.

Discretion is very important to me.

We pride ourselves on being efficient and discreet,

as Mr. Fournier will attest.

I suspect my husband is cheating and I'd like to know.

We will need all the information as well as addresses

and photos if possible. - Of course.

Er... I'll bring in all of that next time, for our next meeting.

Today I'd just like to know how long it will take

and how much you'll charge of course.

We charge by the hour. Four hundred and fifty euros.

That is rather expensive, just to follow a husband...

or in Mr. Fournier's case, a wife.

There are less expensive firms

but we feel our service is the top of the line.

As for time, that depends on the person we're surveilling.

I understand, of course.

- Do you have questions? - No, it's enough for now.

Thank you. I... I... I'll be in touch.

I... Thank you very much.

Then we look forward to hearing from you.

- Goodbye sir, thank you. - Goodbye.

Mr. Fournier? It's Henri from Delauny.

May I speak with you?

Yes, go ahead.

A woman was up here and used your name as a reference but...

she seemed ill at ease and highly suspicious.

I felt she was "fishing."

A brunette, short hair. Gold glasses.

I hope you didn't give her any information.

Of course not, I detected something amiss immediately.

That's why I called right away.

She pretended she would be using our services in the future but

no doubt I've seen the last of her.

But I wanted you to know.

- But you told her nothing. - Nothing at all.

That being said, she seemed aware you hired us on a domestic matter.

I hope you didn't confirm anything.

Good. Thank you for telling me.

Goodbye.

That's the lamp I was talking about.

It would be perfect in our bedroom. Especially if we're going to redecorate.

Pretty.

Actually Mom pointed it out to me.

Do you know how long she's going to stay?

I don't know. She's having such a nice time.

What does she do with her time?

Museums, antique stores. Let's see what else they have.

She's always been very good at being on her own and loving it.

Hello ladies.

I'm glad you wanted to have lunch.

I thought you were visiting Versailles.

I wanted to talk to you.

You sound so serious.

I want you to just consider this with an open mind.

Okay...

I know you're convinced there was

no foul play in Alain's disappearance...

- Here we go again. - ...but I think there was.

Based on what?

At first based on nothing substantial.

Just a little bell that went off when I heard about alien abductions.

- Mom, are you losing it? - It started with some foolishness

about alien abductions. - Mom, come on...

I said foolishness. But then the conversation turned to

the disappearance of a business partner of Jean's.

The same kind of vanishing into thin air, like Alain.

It was way before I met Jean.

A body turned up, they thought it was him, that he committed suicide

I really don't have all the facts.

I do.

His disappearance was very beneficial to Jean.

Meaning?

Meaning Jean's partner disappeared like Alain

and Jean profited greatly.

There were talks of suicide, yes.

But also abduction, or even murder.

I hope you're not going where I think you're going.

I'm just saying there was a motive in each instance

that benefitted Jean.

I think you better stop right now.

What if Jean knew you were having an affair?

Mother...

- What if he suspected? - He couldn't have.

To the point to have you followed?

- How? When? - By a private detective.

This is crazy, Mom. You're cracking up.

I happen to know he had a private detective follow you.

- How do you know? - I found a business card

from an agency in Jean's desk drawer.

Wait, you went through his things?

And I went to the detective and said I wanted my husband followed,

that Mr. Fournier had sent me because they had done

such a good job on his domestic infidelity case.

I can't believe I'm hearing this.

It all adds up.

To what? That Jean got rid of Alain?

Are you insane?

I think it bears looking into.

I'm sorry Mom, this lunch is over.

Wait, just hear me out.

No. I don't want to listen to you anymore.

I went through a period where I was unfaithful to a man who's done nothing

but love me, a man I'm hoping to have children with.

Yes, I got caught up in a romance with a person from the past.

But to think that Jean knew? That he had me followed?

What else? That he had Alain disappear?

Yes!

Why are you staring at me?

What do you mean?

I caught you staring at me several times today.

Nobody's staring.

Why? Are you guilty over something?

No, definitely not.

I give up.

I much prefer this to the treadmill.

I called your office today but they said you were out to lunch with your mother.

Yes, but we wound up in an argument.

Really?

Over what?

You know my mom.

She's full of fantasies she gets from books and the TV.

Am I wrong or has she been a little off-kilter lately?

I think maybe what you're picking up on is that sometimes

she forgets her medication.

When she's off it for a day she seems a little paranoid, or a lot.

Yes well, she really has to remember, it's essential.

What is she paranoid about?

I'm telling you, she reads too many murder mysteries.

I was just about to go to take a shower.

Did you want something?

I don't know. I just wanted to make sure

you got over your mild paranoid concerns.

I'm not paranoid. He had you followed.

He knew you were having an affair.

I assume you've been taking your medication.

Like clockwork.

Because you have forgotten before and it does affect you.

It's not because I miss a day now and then

that all my fantasies are chemical, I doubt it.

If I didn't love you,

I could easily be offended by your sinister obsession with Jean.

I beg you to drop it. - I'm forced to drop it

because I'm no professional but I wonder if I explained it all

to a professional, what he would make of it.

A professional? Like what?

I don't know.

I still think you should have notified the police.

I hope you're kidding about that.

Notified the police I had a big affair?

You've just got to get a grip...

Time to hunt, fish, hike and enjoy.

This time we can't make any mistakes.

It has to look like an accident.

- What kind of accident? - It has to be neat and foolproof.

Who are we talking about? And what kind of accident?

A hunting accident.

I'll lead her to a spot in the forest

and you'll be there waiting out of sight.

Then when she's close enough, you shoot her

like a hunter who made a terrible mistake.

Like a hunter thinking he saw an animal.

Exactly, a large animal.

There's deer up there and hunters,

and now and then there's an accident.

The police will ask questions, no? Lots of questions.

Yes. I will see to it you get a proper hunter's license,

a rifle, and I'll take care of everything.

You're entitled to hunt and it's an awful tragedy and you will be very upset.

But it has to be you and your rifle, not mine.

Do you understand?

You apologize, all so sorry, and the police won't say anything

because it's an accident.

And I'm out of it completely and of course

I'll take very good care of you, as usual.

Sure. But there's a problem.

I never shot a rifle.

- Never? - No.

Ok no problem. I'll help you.

Actually I have a better idea.

I shoot and then give you the rifle. That makes more sense.

But you have to be holding the rifle finally.

- You get that? - Yes.

Anyway, she has to disappear.

She is noxious, dangerous.

She's nosy and doesn't mind her own business.

That's it.

When this gonna happen?

You and I will drive up there a few days in advance.

We'll walk through it and find a spot. Then you'll be waiting.

But you'll take care of her.

Yes, but it will be your responsibility.

- Remember, it's your job. - Yes.

- Everything clear? - Yes, sure.

Good. You're going back to your brother's?

He's in Bucharest, I was supposed to join him this week.

But you called so I'll go next week.

Tell him I say hello.

Got everything?

What about Peter and Delphine?

They're meeting us up there.

I'm really looking forward to hunting tomorrow,

and I know Camille does too. - You're hunting deer again?

Yes. I hope we'll have more luck than last time.

I don't hunt but I eat venison.

We'll be hunting too, but for antiques.

Eat...

- Enjoy your meal. - Thank you, I love lobster.

We're going antiquing, want to join?

No thanks. I'm going to read, listen to music.

I want to see if we can find a good oak table.

There are wonderful antique stores in the area.

- I hope you have a good hunt. - The fun is in the chase.

This woman will tell you that. - He's right.

You enter a whole different world.

You're concentrating, stalking. You leave the real world behind.

Her dad gave her a love of the outdoors.

He was a great fisherman.

He taught me to fly cast when I was very little.

These genes haven't been passed on to me.

That's true.

- We'll meet you back for lunch? - Not sure about that.

But we'll try and bring back something for dinner.

Don't forget to spit out the buckshot.

You don't shoot deer with buckshot.

Wait... I should take my pill.

See, I remember.

Did you see my meds?

Did you have them in your purse?

I thought I did. Don't tell me I left it in the city.

I left my pills in my other jacket. - Mom... it's a 4-day weekend.

I'll live.

I'm going to have to drive back to Paris.

I can get through the weekend without them.

- Of course, they're not essential. - Yes they are.

I'll send the driver for them. - He'll never find them.

I'll go. Tell me where they are.

In one of my jacket pockets. I'm really sorry.

It's not a big deal. While you're all out I'll go get them.

You wanted to relax and listen to music.

Edgar drives slowly. I can read and I'll listen in the car.

Which jacket?

The grey one, or maybe I left them in my purse.

- She'll find them. - No, I have several.

- It's ok. - They all kind of look the same.

Look carefully.

Bye honey.

Come this way.

- Let's go this way, sorry. - Okay.

Camille, this way is better.

I know these woods like the back of my hand.

These woods are as the poet wrote.

It's dark and deep. All that's missing are the deer.

Don't worry, I'm sure we'll see some action soon.

I've been living in the city for too long.

It's a wonder you can find your way. I'd get lost.

I have an errand to run. It's easier if I walk.

I'll meet you back here in an hour.

Seriously, who buys these things?

People who enjoy the sport of hunting.

I guess if you're decorating a lodge or a men's club.

Fanny? I have very poor reception here.

Alain didn't run away. I think you're right.

Something happened to him.

Something horrible.

How do you know?

I'm at his apartment.

I drove in to get your pills and decided to have one final look around.

You filled my head with such thoughts, but you were right.

Whoever cleared his stuff out didn't know about his novel

which he placed out of sight.

There's no way he would have left without taking it.

It was an only copy and it was his life's blood.

What you're telling me is no surprise.

But surely you don't think Jean was behind it.

I can't prove it yet. I'll bet the police could.

Lose the cigarette.

Give me your rifle.

I know Jean and for all his faults and quirks...

Look, I'm driving back. We have to talk.

Yes, I'll see you later.

Jean?

Jean?

Jean?

Jean no!

You're sure it was a deer?

Shit!

Get a doctor.

He's dead.

Oh god, it can't be.

It's horrible.

I thought I saw something move in the trees.

- It was an accident. - Just an accident.

No but... Oh, it's terrible.

She had come to the conclusion that life was a random event

and the odds of her existing were one in four hundred quadrillion.

Hence everybody's life was a miracle, everybody alive had hit the jackpot.

It was important not to squander this miracle and

she was prepared to take full responsibility for her choices.

Still, it terrified her how big a part chance played in it all

and how much it helped to be lucky.

Best not to dwell on it.