All language subtitles for The.Image.1975.en

[car engines humming]

[distant laughter]

When I saw Claire again
for the first time that summer,

it was at a party given by-

oh, let's say the Xs
near the Place de la Concorde.

The entire summer
had been lovely,

but that evening
was particularly beautiful.

I was late, as usual.

Normally, I detest literary
cocktail parties...

- Jean!
- Hi.

As anyone who attends them
regularly should,

if he has any self-respect
at all.

[laughs]

I had just come out
of a long siege

with a short story,

a short story that had
an enormous resistance

to being completed,

and, had I to be
totally honest,

I would confess that I was
genuinely pleased

to be once more
among the living.

Ah, how are you?

- And you?
- Fine.

Good.

Excuse me.

What struck me most
about seeing Claire again

was that she hadn't
changed at all.

I felt as if I had just
left her the night before.

Although, in reality,
I hadn't seen her

for at least two
or three years, maybe more.

Friedlander?

Coudrain.

I said hello to other people,

but I meticulously avoided
getting involved

in the peculiar
kind of pointless argument

which is so typical
at that kind of party.

I remember that I noticed
something then

in which I wouldn't have minded
getting involved,

and it was dressed
all in white.

As I think back, she had made
more of an impression on me

than the usual pretty girl
one sees at parties.

The young girl
in the white dress and Claire

were friends,
obviously.

But beyond that, I sensed
a strange link between them,

a kind of electricity,

although I had never
heard it said

that Claire was particularly
interested in girls.

Still, there was a conspiracy
between them

that one could
feel quite clearly.

Hi.

What are you doing
hiding out there?

Oh, thinking
of clever things to say

to your delightful guests.

That shouldn't be
too difficult for you.

What about the young girl
in the white dress?

I don't know a thing
about her.

She came with Claire.

I suppose she's a friend
of hers.

Funny thing is,
I haven't been able

to get two words out of her
all night.

I remembered clearly
the look Claire had given her.

It was the look of one viewing
a rerun of a successful film

one had directed oneself,

whose plot couldn't possibly
have any surprises.

Lovely to have had you.

Later, as I was getting
ready to leave...

- Jean.
- All right,

I might call you later.
Jean.

Yes?

If you like, perhaps
we could have a drink somewhere

to forget about
this dreadful party.

Nice.

You can get to know Anne.

Anne?

Anne.

You'll see.

She's very nice.

Who is she, anyway?

Oh, just a young model.

And?

Well, she belongs to me.

[dog growling and barking]

[soft music playing]

♪ ♪

Three mineral waters, please.

She's pretty, isn't she?

Yes, very.

She's very pretty.

You can touch her if you like.

And she has a beautiful mouth,

lovely soft lips, lovely,
soft, knowing lips.

And pretty teeth.

Come, let's have a look at them.

Stay like that.

Someday I'll show you
some photographs I took of her.

Claire had arranged to meet me
the following day.

I knew enough by now not to ask
whether we would be alone

or with her young friend.

We were supposed to spend
the afternoon together

in the Bagatelle Gardens,

the most beautiful rose garden
in the world.

She had insisted
that she wanted

to show it to me herself.

Claire was a stunning woman

and probably even more
interesting than her friend.

But unlike her friend, she had
never aroused me at all.

At first this had bothered me.

But then I told myself that it
was her impeccable manners

and the precise way
in which she did everything

that made it impossible

to think about her
as a potential conquest.

I probably needed to feel
that at least some little thing

was vulnerable in order
to arouse

a desire in me to win her.

Claire was waiting for us
in the car.

Anne's manner reminded me

of a well-behaved
young schoolgirl.

I had time to ask the girl
several casual questions,

but all I could get out of her
was, "Yes, monsieur,"

"No, monsieur," or,
"I don't know, monsieur,"

as though she were a child.

[tires screech]

Instead of letting us wander
from flower to flower,

Claire made us look
at the varieties

that she admired most,

knowing exactly
where each one was.

[bright instrumental music]

♪ ♪

After the grand tour,
we wandered off

toward a more deserted part
of the garden.

Go over to it.

Go on.
Hurry up.

Now go ahead.

Watch this.

She has pretty hands.

Yes.

She likes doing that,
you know.

It excites her.

I can prove it to you,
if you like.

At the slightest provocation,
she gets all wet.

Isn't that right, little one?

All right, that's enough.

Pick the flower
and bring it over here.

Well, what are you waiting for?

It's not allowed.

Nothing that I like
is allowed, Anne.

You know that.

There are too many thorns.

You simply have
to get scratched.

Very good.

And it wasn't too difficult,
was it?

Of course, you will be punished

for having hesitated
just a second too long.

What are you planning to do?

I don't know.

But she'll be punished
in front of you.

Somebody's coming.

All right, bring the flower.

Excuse me.

What time is it, please?

10:30.

We continued our walk.

Anne, in the middle,

held the rose
against her breast

so no one could detect
her crime.

We soon came
to a sort of grove or thicket,

more or less closed off
from the rest of the gardens

and completely deserted.

Since there weren't
any flowers,

we reasoned that here
we could find some privacy.

This will be all right.

No.

She'll have to stand.

She has to think about
where to hide what she's stolen.

The rose must be hidden.

All she has to do
is throw it over there.

But it would be such a shame
to lose such a beautiful flower.

Yes.

No.

I don't know.

It's very simple.

You'll have to hide it
somewhere on your person.

Come over here.

Lift your skirt.

Lift your skirt.

You'll have to lift it
higher than that.

Hurry up.

Higher.

Well, what do you think of it?

The design on the tops
of the stockings

is a particularly charming
touch.

[gasps]

What we will do
is slip the stem

up between the garter belt

and the skin about there
close to the crotch.

The thorns should
be strong enough

to hold the flower in place.

Only when she's
standing still.

See how nice I am?

I'm taking off
all the little thorns

so as not to hurt you.

Oh, but I forgot.

She's supposed to be punished,
isn't she?

Spread your legs apart,
and then don't move.

I'm going to hurt you.

Come close to me.

Please, please don't.

I beg you.

Please.

No.

Now hold still.

Oh, no, please.

Please, no.

No, no.

[shouts]

[gasping]

There.

That's pretty, isn't it?

A great success,

but perhaps rather overburdened
with symbols in,

I would say,
the surrealist tradition.

[birds chirping]

You may lower your dress.

[birds chirping]

Can you still feel the petals
between your thighs?

Does it feel nice?

Well, can't you answer?

Yes, it feels nice.

I have- I need to stop a minute.

No, you can't go now.

You didn't have to drink so much
water in the first place.

I didn't know yet what Claire
was leading us up to.

At last, we came to an area

that seemed more wild
and natural,

where very large trees
had blanketed the sparse,

unkempt grass
with fallen leaves.

This is the perfect place.

Don't you think so?

Depends on what you want
to use it for.

For the little girl,
of course.

She was looking for a bathroom.

Oh, no, I don't need to go.

Why did you lie to us?

I thought you were going
to give us a little performance.

No, I was mistaken.

Don't try to fool with us.

You know it won't
get you anywhere, Anne.

Anne.

You'll do it now.

Bend down lower.

Now, then.

Is our little girl
going to do pee-pee?

Be sure your legs are spread
far enough apart.

That's fine.

Now lean forward a little.

You're very nice like that,
you know?

Well, are you going to piss
or not, you little bitch?

[gasps]

[whimpers]

[engine roaring]

More than a week went by

without my seeing Claire
or Anne again.

On the eighth day,
quite by chance,

I was driving
on the Quai Malaquais

and I ran into little Anne
at the book stalls.

She was alone,
and that pleased me.

She pretended
not to recognize me,

which hardly surprised me,
I must say.

I thought of that
last image I had

of our afternoon
in the Bagatelle Gardens.

The girl was now speaking
to the salesman.

No, we haven't got any more.

Look, I know you have
what I want.

I'm going to stand here
till I get it.

I don't handle
that type of book.

All right,
I can find it myself.

I was struck by the positive
tone she used

in dealing with the bookseller.

She wanted a rare book
sold only under the counter...

Okay.

Which she asked for
with confidence,

obviously sure that this was
the place to find it.

How much?

100.

Thank you.

Hi.
Remember me?

Yes, I remember you.

Hey, wait a minute.

Look, no offense.

Actually, I didn't mean
anything in particular.

What do you want?

Nothing.

Just to talk to you a little.

I don't feel like talking.

I have to bring this back
right away.

To Claire?

I bring things back
to whomever I please.

It's none of your business.

Well, have-

Have a nice day.

[siren wailing]

[engines roaring and humming]

This encounter left me
highly dissatisfied.

I spent the following days
unproductively.

The weather was good,
and I spent most of my time

trying to focus my attention

on an article which would be due
the following month.

But my thoughts always returned
to Claire and Anne.

I hadn't imagined
that I personally

would have any power
over this girl.

But it had seemed only natural

that I should enjoy
certain privileges

outside of Claire's presence,

since they had already
been granted to me so liberally

and without my even
having asked for anything.

Then, upon further reflection,

I began to wonder
if I'd been granted

so much after all the other day.

I was obliged to come
to a negative conclusion.

Then I could see how wrong
I had been.

I could even make fun
of my own stupidity,

for the recent conduct
of little Anne

suddenly appeared quite normal
and obvious

to the extent that for her
to have behaved any differently

now seemed impossible.

The situation, in short,

had not been
what I thought it was.

I felt annoyed and deceived.

I decided not to think
about those two girls anymore

or about the whole absurd story.

I waited for three more days,
but on the fourth...

[horn honking]

Hello.
Hello.

How've you been feeling since
the last time?

Fine.
And you?

Fine.

And how is the health
of your friend?

Which friend
are you talking about?

Anne.
Who do you think I meant?

Anne.
Of course.

I'd completely forgot.

If it's Anne you want to see,

you should have said so
right away.

I can lend her to you,
my dear,

with no trouble at all.

You can make love to her,
if you're in that mood.

What day would you like me
to send her over?

You're joking.

I never joke about my friends.

Thanks, but I wouldn't know
how to reciprocate.

[tires squealing]

[tires screech]

[water gushing]

You mentioned you had some
photographs to show me.

That's true.

You can come by tomorrow
around 5:00.

Come, Princess.

Right.

[horns honking]

[doorbell rings]

[locks clacking]

How nice of you to come.

Thank you.

I have a gift for you.

Thanks.

Drink?

Brandy, please.

Isn't this
what you came to see?

In the first photo,

Anne is wearing
a short black slip

with nothing underneath
but her stockings

and a simple garter belt like
the one I already admired

in the Bagatelle Gardens.

The second photo was
a delicious detail of the first.

In the next photo,
the girl is in the same costume

but lying down with her
shapely rear exposed.

In the next one,
the girl is profile,

entirely naked with her hands
chained behind her back,

kneeling on a black-and-white
checkerboard floor.

The next was a close-up
showing the skill

with which Anne was placed
in bondage.

In the next photo,
Anne is handcuffed in such a way

as to keep her arms suspended
over her head.

Her ankles were chained tightly,

giving an excellent view
of her rear.

The position must have been
extremely uncomfortable,

even for a short period of time.

The next picture,

extremely fascinating
in its horror,

Despite the somewhat
romantic exaggeration,

could only be the result
of a trick.

But it was done so well that one
could easily be fooled,

especially since the contortions
of the victim

I I
were so convincing.

The stomach is marked
in every direction

by deep lines, very
clear and distinct,

more or less accented according
to how hard the whip fell.

In the next one Anne's face is
even more contorted in agony,

presumably from the pain
being inflicted upon her.

The next photograph
was a logical conclusion,

the tortured body of the girl,
apparently lifeless,

is stretched out

on the black-and-white
checkerboard floor.

She is wearing nothing but
the black band across her eyes.

Claire's skill as a photographer

is apparent in her loving
attention to detail.

The last photo was very
different from the others.

For one thing, the body was
completely cut off

by the camera.

For another, the pubic hair
seemed darker.

It was obvious to me that
the model was no longer Anne

but someone else.

What gave me the final proof

were the dark polished
fingernails

of those two hands.

I remembered that Anne
left her fingernails natural.

This last photograph here,

is this still Anne?

Claire became nervous,
which was unlike her.

She got hold of herself
immediately.

Who else could it be?

Oh, by the way.

You ran into Anne the other day,
didn't you?

At the book stalls.

She didn't show
any lack of respect, did she?

I didn't know she owed me
any respect.

She does if I so desire.

I understand that you were
rude to Jean

the other day
at the book stalls.

Get undressed.

You're going to be whipped.

Get up, you little whore.

Go and get me the whip.

[gasps]

She loves it when we put her
on her knees

so we can whip her.

Doesn't she?

It gets her all excited.

She's wet already,
isn't she?

[gasping]

You see how well
she's been broken in?

It's a question of training,

just like with a dog.

I only had to fondle her
often enough in this position,

and now she can no longer
keep herself

from wanting to be satisfied.

Isn't that so,
you little whore?

When one is about beat her,
she gets all set for her orgasm.

You'll go moist to paradigm.

Kiss.

[whip cracks]

Look at Jean.

It's at his request
you are being punished.

[whip cracks]

[cracking continues]

[sobbing and gasping]

Very quietly,
the girl began to cry.

The tears formed in the corners
of her eyes

and rolled down
her flushed cheeks.

From time to time,
a shudder ran through her body.

Kneeling on the wool rug,
perfectly straight,

thighs well apart,
hands held in the air,

she didn't even dare wipe
away the tears

which ran slowly down her face.

We sat there for a long time
looking at her.

It might be better
to tie her up.

Yes, if you like.

Go and get the chains.

[whimpering]

[quietly sobbing]

[gasping and moaning]

Forgive me,
for I know what I do.

[metallic clatter]

[smacking]

[gasping and moaning]

Go to Jean.

Go on.

Are you enjoying it?

You know what happens
to little girls

who don't do exactly
as they're told.

[moaning]

Go on with the punishment.

Smack!

[pained shouting]

[smacking continues]

[shouting continues]

You better treat me
better than that.

[shouts]

[smacking continues]

[moaning]

She's soaking wet,
the little darling.

[moaning]

It's a real lake.

[moaning]

Little girl,

you're about to reap
the fruits of your labor.

[moaning]

Little girl.

[laughing]

That's it.
That's it.

Now whip her.

Whip her.

[smacking]

[groaning]

[laughing]

[smacking continues]

[horn honks]

I was informed
that in the future,

I could have Anne
whenever I wanted her

and could amuse myself with her
however I pleased.

[funky music]

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

May I take your order?

I'm full.

[romantic music]

♪ ♪

Keep going.

[both moaning]

Get him off.

[moaning and gasping]

Someone's coming.
Don't stop.

[moaning and laughing]

One afternoon that week,
her mistress

even let me have her
all to myself.

I was to take her shopping
for various items of lingerie.

May I help you, sir?

Yes, we're interested
in some lingerie.

Fine.

Come this way, please.

This is, in a sense,
the most amusing.

But it comes down
a little too far.

I'm afraid it won't completely
show the triangle.

It might interfere
with the view

and with the hands as well.

I think you'd better try it on.

If you like.

Very well, sir.

Come.

Get up.

This is what I had in mind.

Do you think it's going to rain,
like in the movies?

It's very possible.

Well, everything is possible.

Are you ready yet?

Miss, would you mind coming here
for a moment, please?

Hmm, they'll do.

But I think you should take in
the belt just a little.

Anne, turn around.

Anne.

It's nothing.

She was whipped a little
because she wasn't a good girl.

That's all.

Anne.

"Say, 'Thank you."

[funky instrumental music]

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

[moaning and gasping]

You look fine.

[horns honking]

We joined our friend again
at 5:00

in a rather dignified tea room

where people talk
in hushed voices.

Claire was waiting for us.

She had chosen a table

in the most propitious corner
of the room.

Claire expected a full report
of our afternoon's activities...

And what did we do today?

Complete with
all the delicate details.

Anne listened with delight

as I recounted the episode
with the salesgirl.

She seemed happy
that her complete obedience

gave such pleasure
to her mistress.

[laughing]

Claire had as much
satisfaction

in hearing the story

as if she had been there
herself.

You don't say.
[laughs]

Presently,
Claire's mood changed.

You must have been very happy,
weren't you,

to have everyone know
what a little whore you are?

Answer me.

Yes, I was happy.

Happy about what?

I was happy
to show how I'd been whipped.

You like being whipped?

Yes.

Stand up.

Lean forward.

Put your hands on the table.

Spread your legs.

Bend your knees.

[gasps]

She's wet already,
the little bitch.

You only have to promise
to whip her.

Would you like
to see for yourself?

[gasping and moaning]

We're ready to order now.

There are so many delectable
things to choose from.

Would you like a salad, Claire?

I'd love a salad.

Yes, yes, I thought
you'd agree with me.

Can we have a mixed green salad,
please, with endive,

watercress, and tomato?

However, I don't want
the tomatoes sliced.

The tomato must be wedged,
not sliced.

And I'd like a garlic dressing,

a dressing of oil and vinegar
with just a kiss of garlic.

That sounds delectable.

Dry mustard and a pinch of
oregano at the very last moment.

Very tasty.

That will be all
for the moment.

Thank you.

Does it feel nice?

Let me go, please.

Please.

Which do you like better?

When I embarrass you
or when I hurt you?

[groans]

Let's see, Jean.

Didn't you say she wasn't
good this afternoon?

Well, the salesgirl
did complain.

Faster.

Then we'll have
to make her cry.

[moaning]

Don't think I'm going
to let you off so easily.

[sighs]

When would you like
to come over to my place, Jean?

Tomorrow evening after dinner.

Tomorrow evening
after dinner.

You can sit down.

Smell.

See how good you smell?

Kiss it.

It's getting hotter
and hotter outside.

You might think
it was the middle of August.

I regret, my dear,

that we're obliged to keep
our clothes on.

But in our roles,
you understand,

it's indispensable.

To you, especially.

- Yes.
- Don't you ever get too hot?

No.
Never.

The little girl must be ready.

Follow me.

The entire body
was gone over meticulously.

You have very attractive arms.

[splashing and gasping]

[coughs]

Would you like me to turn
the little fountain on?

Why not?

All right, watch.

Show the gentleman
the pretty fountain.

[electric whirring]

I felt at home
in the Gothic chamber,

because it was exactly as I had
remembered it in the photos.

Clink!

Supposing we made her
play with herself.

First get the whip
and the blindfold.

That whip isn't the same one
we used the other day.

It's a new one.

She went and bought it
herself this morning.

All right.

Show us what you can do.

[moaning]

[gasping and moaning]

[shouts]

Play with yourself?

Better than that.

[smacking and shouting]

You'll need some help.

[moans]

See how beautiful she is
when she's coming,

the little cunt?

[groans]

Go ahead.

Play with your little asshole
at the same time.

[electric whirring]

[electric whirring]

No.

I want to see her eyes.

[screaming]

[screaming]

[screaming and shouting]

[screaming continues]

[gagging]

[pained screaming]

[screaming
and shouting continues]

[metallic clang]

[groaning]

[muffled sobbing and screaming]

[groaning and sighing]

[grunting and screaming]

[smacking and screaming]

[continued smacking
and screaming]

[distorted smacking]

Untie her.

[both moaning and grunting]

[groaning loudly]

[footsteps approaching]

Damn you!

Damn you, damn you,
damn you, damn you!

Get out!
What are you doing?

Stop it!

- Get out of here!
- Claire!

Stop it!

Get out of here!

Are you crazy?

- [screaming]
- Cut it out!

What are you- Stop it!

Stop it.

Let go of me!

[both shouting]

Stop it.

Get control of yourself, Claire!

[both shouting]

Put it down!

Claire!

[glass shatters]

[breathing sharply]

I'm leaving.

What will I do?

[chains rattle]

[funky music]

♪ ♪

[doorbell ringing]

[doorbell continues ringing]

Good morning.

Good morning.

How is your friend feeling?

Anne's fine.

You didn't ask me this time
which friend I meant.

She's still sleeping.

She'll be fine.

No marks?

No, except perhaps one
on the breast

where we went very deep.

That would be a shame.

Oh, no.

It will be very pretty.

Yesterday's?

I didn't have a chance
to make a fresh pot.

I was up all night.

And you?

Get undressed.

Look at me.

You like being on your knees?

I'm yours.

You can do
whatever you want with me.

Good.

Come here.

Have you ever been beaten, huh?

Open your mouth.

[smacking]

Do whatever you want with me.

Lick it.

Lick it.

[moans]

Jean.

Oh, Jean.

Say, "I love you."

I love you.

I love you.

What's my name?

Jean.

What's my name?

Jean.

[moaning]

I love you.

[gasping]
I love you.

[shouting]

[moaning and gasping]

[sweeping instrumental music]