All language subtitles for Cri de la soie, Le

Cry of the Silk

Psychiatry infirmary located in the basement
of majordomo's headquarters, Paris- 1914.

She's very anguished, doctor. She says that we've
tied up her feet and we're obliged to cut them.

Does she accept to eat?

This morning she asked for milk and broth.
This is all she wants.

There's no reason
to give her anything else.

She has taken her laxative
without difficulty.

With me she's very soft.

However, she hit and insulted a nurse.

Villemer?

There's an emergency in Saint- Anne...

Can you see a patient of mine?

He's an industrialist.

He hid a camera in his cane and
followed unknown women in the streets.

And took their photos from under their skirts.

He was captured yesterday

at Saint- Lazare. You can excuse me.

We'll see each other tomorrow.

Who's she?

Marie Benjamin,
she has been transferred from Fresnes.

Send her to my office.

But Dr. Bailly has just examined her.

Married. Without children.

28 years. Is that so?

Yes.

- You don't know to read nor write, is it correct ?
- Yes

- You have never been to school ?
- No...

- Why ?
- I had to help my mother.

You are in Fresnes since... two weeks?

- Why?
- It's written?

Why?

- I stole
- What?

I said that this morning.

What did you steal?

A piece of fabric.

Is it for the first time that you stole?

Yes...

Are you sure about it?

You were sentenced 4 times
in 10 years. In 1904. In 1909.

In January and in December of 1912.
Each time for theft.

What did you steal?

You didn't reply. What did you steal?

Silk...

Silk, is that all?

Nothing else! But I said...

Take me back to the prison!

Firstly you have to reply
to my questions.

Do you know why you're here?

No...

Yesterday you had a very violent crisis.

- You broke things.
- I don't remember.

You threatened the prison guards
with scissors.

I don't remember...

Take me to the prison.
I promise that I won't start again.

At what age did you marry?

Do you still live with your husband?

It depends.

That means.

He comes and goes.

Apart from your husband,
did you know other men ?

- Yes...
- Many?

- Why do you ask me all this ?
- Give me a reply.

Yes...

You don't have a very good opinion
of men, isn't it true?

You are...

Seamstress, eh?

I do odd jobs at Lafitte.

As a seamstress,
you have no shortage of silk.

Then, why did you steal it?

I don't know.

I can't help it ...

I cannot talk about it...

So, you steal a piece of silk...

And later?
What do you do?

I use it...

And later I discard it or I give it...

You use it?

For what?

- I'll tell you...
- No!

- You take the fabric...
- Shut up, you don't have any right!

What are you doing?

Why do you undress?

I thought that...

I just wanted to take a photo
of your face.

Excuse me...
Usually...

Usually? It is for the first time
that you come here, isn't it?

Yes.

No, wait...
Wait.

Come closer.

More close.

This is strange...

Naked... you don't have
the same expression.

I see something in your eyes
which I didn't see before.

What?

The fear, almost fright...
Do I frighten you?

- I also see blue...
- Blue?

Yes.

A blue spot with white dots,

which is seen in people prone
to blindness.

Its triangular form is very recognizable.

Do you have problems with the view?
- Ah, no.

Unless...

It's quite simply the reflection of my tie.

- It's again Mrs. Dabencourt.
- Where is she?

She left furious.
She asked me to give it to you.

Is that all?

She says that this isn't the color for her.

- Thank you, Cécile. Anything else ?
- Yes...

Today, your mother called twice.

Thank you. Hurry up,
otherwise you'll miss your train.

See you tomorrow.

Do you remember Madame D'Aragon?

She came this morning.
Guess what did she say?

"Congratulations! We saw your son
in the newspaper"

"My son?"

He is nominated as surgeon general.
Congratulations!

I'm sorry... I asked Cécile...

Yes, Cécile...

Gabriel, will you live alone again?

In a family like ours.

For the memory of your father.

Promise me.

I have fever.

Your pulse is almost normal.

Who would have guessed?

- What?
- That you'd be to my side...

How many nights
did I remain awake for you?

At times, you spoke in sleep.
You said strange but beautiful things.

I remember once.

Among everybody else, you're the one
who gave me the most worry...

But gave me the best joy.

Excuse me, I'll come back.

God!

Don't you feel attracted by cotton?

No. Velvet maybe...

- It isn't like silk.
- Why?

- It cries.
- Does it cry?

When you crumple it, it makes...
It looks like anything else.

Do you handle silk as seamstress?

- It's not the same thing.
- Why?

I don't care if I don't steal it.

- Is the danger that excites you?
- I don't know.

I like to steal it, that's all.

To cure, my husband bought me a lot of silk.

It didn't help, because if you give me
the silk,

that ruins my pleasure.

Did you try to stop?

I can't help it.

I don't think of anything else ,
I pushed...

Continue.

I'm fed up. I can't say more.

We haven't finished.

What do you want?

To help you.

- Help me with what?
- To not to go the asylum.

Why am I sent here
instead of being in the prison?

Do you want to go to the prison
and be responsible of your actions?

Yes. I want that.

After many sentences,
you can be relegated

to life imprisonment.

So much the better..

So I wouldn't have temptations.

Talk to me about your first theft.

How old were you?

I don't remember.

Try to remember.

It happened a long time ago.

Before your marriage ?

No, no, it was later.

I was 17 years old.

Were you already a seamstress ?

Yes, even at home I had all I wanted.

How did it happen ?

I was in a big shop,
I wanted to buy ribbons.

Then I saw the dress... It was blue.

But an electric blue.
It was as if the dress looked at me.

I stood there.

Then ?

I walked towards the clothes,

I took it against me...

I lifted my skirt.

And you rubbed it against yourself.

I don't remember...
I think so...

I've forgotten.

I'm thirsty. Can I have water ?

Yes.

This ?

- No.
- Can you follow me?

We've just received
a magnificent Turquoise.

Maybe a mallow ?

We have a great selection...

Cyclamen... Lavender... Lilac...

With our catalogue
it'll be more simple.

We can get exactly the same color
which you'd like. If you'd like to look.

Excuse me, miss.

- What's this color ?
- Prussian blue.

- Doesn't it have any other name ?
- No... I don't believe so.

Is it not what we call... Electric blue ?

The electric blue is much more dazzling.

Look, here it is.

Do you have a scarf of this color ?

Certainly.

Here it is.

Virgin silk.

-Excuse me.
-This is virgin silk from Japan.

Ah, that is you, doctor.

Good evening.

Leave it, I'll put it out later.

Good night doctor.

Do you remember the first time
when you fondled yourself ?

Reply please.

I was eleven years old. Twelve.

How did it happen ?

I was alone in my room,

seated on a chair.

I was not seated as usual but I squatted.

The chair was covered with velvet.

Velvet, not by silk?

No, the silk came later.

You were naked ?

Yes...

I liked it... so much that I started again.
I never felt like it.

Even with your lovers ?

No, however there was one
whom I liked a lot. At times...

At times...

- He gave you pleasure.
- Yes.

This pleasure was strong?

Less strong when you'd fondle yourself ?

Yes, much less.

When you stole the silk,
you said that you needed to crumple it.

Why ?

When I crumpled, I felt it better.

I felt its cry
which increased my pleasure.

Please try to describe.

What ?

To describe what you felt
at that time when you stole.

I don't have words.

It's like I stole little bit of sky.

A little bit of sky ?

Yes.

It's the silk, but I don't know why.

At first I'd crumple it.

Without damaging it, without ruining it...
Never against me.

Later I couldn't breath...
I have...

It's like a wave which knocks me down...

I was drunk... I couldn't control.

I trembled.

But no fear, no...

Pleasure...

I never thought
that I was doing anything wrong.

Later I put myself in a corner.

To touch the silk, to handle it.

This is how I found...

Unless I lost the knowledge.

Isn't it hot, no ?

Do you want to see
a little bit of sky ?

Thank you.

This isn't what I wanted to say.

I was speaking about it.

Take, this is for you.

Why do you do that?

- I'm not a curiosity.
- I know.

Why do you treat me like this ?

If I do anything wrong, you have to
punish me and put me in prison.

We just try to cure people.

But I am responsible! I don't want
to be sent to asylum!

Other women are punished.

They told the judge and also Dr.Bailly
that I'll be sentenced.

Here it is me who decides.

You decide but you don't listen.

What do I do since three days ?

Finally, you'll do like other people.

Still I believed...

What ?

I thought that you...

You could understand...
understand the silk.

You never spoke to anybody ?

Enter !

Excuse me Villmer.

Can I see you for a moment ?

When you fondled yourself, did you think
of anything in particular ?

- You don't dream about it ?
- How ?

Were you able to think about a man ?

- No, never.
- Never ?

No.

I think only of my pleasure.

It's as if the men didn't exist.

GERMANY DECLARES WAR ON FRANCE

This time we won't escape.

MARIE SILK

You think that I didn't see you?

Is that all ?

They can put in isolation for 15 days.

And you don't know how to write.

Whereas she masturbates
with the fetish.

It represents splendid scenes.

Strangely, our patient
doesn't confirm anything of it.

THE FETISHISM WITH FABRIC OF A PATIENT

Should we really believe her ...

You need something, Cécile ?

No sir, nothing...

Please come.

Enter.

Would you like to do other things here ?

I don't know.

Other things for me...

Besides what you do for me.

That depends.

For example, help me in my work.

I have the impression
that it doesn't leave you indifferent.

Please don't blush... there is no harm.
On the contrary.

I was wondering if this interest

can be expressed
in a more concrete manner.

I'm not sure of having understood.

Your vision, your feminine sensibility.

Could be very useful for me.

Useful ?

Could you give me
your opinion about this ?

This is an article about Fortuny,
the famous dress designer.

Do you know him ?

He has designed these clothes.

Aren't they wonderful ?

This is a "yes"
which wishes to say "no" ?

No, they're beautiful. It's only that...

I didn't know that it'd interest you.
It's not usual.

See these pleats, these fabrics.

Each design is different. See the motives,

the contours.

It's extraordinary !

Any woman would dream of wearing
a dress like that, wouldn't she ?

Yes. What do you expect from me ?

That you search...

No, that you select some photos

in these magazines.
I don't have time.

But I've never done this work.

I'm sure that you'll do it fine.

Thank you.

- You don't want ?
- Yes...

See you tomorrow.

Wait, the article.

It's not necessary. I know it already.

This morning while cleaning
by chance I read first lines.

I couldn't help but continued to read.
It talked of fabric with strong words.

With so much passion,
as if they were alive.

I'd say that you loved them as if...

How ?

They were women.

Maybe better than women.

Excuse me.

As if the men didn't exist.

This is the expression
which you have used ?

Yes...

Can you speak louder.
These men cannot hear you.

I said yes.

Should we deduce that you don't like men ?

No.

Did you feel any attraction
for a person of your sex ?

Reply.

No, never.

I didn't hear anything.

No, never.

We're obliged to believe you.

Gentlemen.

Mrs Benjamin, thank you. Sister Camille !

The patient.

The patient whom you just heard
isn't an ordinary fetishist.

You wouldn't have failed to note a
certain number of particularities

which aren't part of the visual drawing
of the perversion of fetishism.

- Damn !
- Sorry ?

Sit down.
Somebody would come looking for you.

What for ?

Nobody told you? You'll be taken back
to prison in Fresnes. The van will come any time.

- How can that be ?
- Didn't you want it ?

The doctor didn't tell me anything.

He asked for your transfer.

...or a physiological odor in particular...

These qualities required for fetishism

weren't searched in the fabric.

We know that a notable trait of fetishism...

Dr Villemer leaves for war tomorrow.

In today's case the patient affirms that

the fabric is never a substitute
for the man's body.

She says that the silk isn't associated
with anybody.

It acts on its own qualities :

Its texture, its brightness, its cry.

We should believe her when she says

that she masturbates with the silk,
not without fantasies...

as a gourmet appreciates
an exquisite odor ?

Doctor ! Doctor !

Come fast !
Somebody has fainted !

- Sister, water.
- Let us go for it.

- What happened ?
- She collapsed suddenly.

Make room !

Lean here.

Please don't be afraid.

For all these reasons
I'd be grateful to you.

To oppose all procedures
of hospitalization in an asylum.

And to allow the patient to finish

her sentence in prison.

Shall I put your camera
in the suitcase ?

Yes, thank you.

Cécile.

Please keep this manuscript
until my return.

These are the first pages
I couldn't go further.

Don't talk to anybody,
not even to my publisher.

This letter is for Dr. Garnier.
It's very urgent.

Give it to him personally.

I wanted to do it myself

but the taxi would be here soon.

I prefer cold to boredom.

Shall I kiss you ?

Yes, of course.

See you soon.

Be careful... and don't leave us
without news.

- Hello doctor... No, he just left.

He'll take the ship to Morocco tomorrow
to join general Lyautey.

He didn't see that he'd leave for war.

His suitcase seemed as
if it was packed for a long journey,

like somebody who's absolutely sure
of coming back.

Gust...

Battle...

Combat.

Death.

Captain, shall we continue ?

Sugar...

Sky...

Mosaic...

Terrace...

Line...

Savannah...

- Over there !
- No I don't see anything.

And well ?

Maybe Leila... or Yasmina...

When she tears the silk
it's not for a sadistic violence...

But with the aim of feeling it better...

and to understand it better.

How are you doing ?

Sea... Iron... Earth...

No, with two "R".

Earth !

It's better to remain silent
when we don't know.

Guess what's my boyfriend's name...

Pierre !

Maybe he's dead.

It appears that he's in a butcher's shop.

We forgot "war".

For once, we must forget it.

Isn't it strange not to love ?

No.

Liar !

At times, at night I bite myself
in order not to cry.

When I'll be out, I'll immediately have sex
with the first guy who wants me

I'll love him as I've never did,
giving him everything.

Everything I kept.

308 ! Your cell is ready.

Is it ?
I could spend hours talking with you...

After a couple of lessons,
you'll be able to write everything.

Even love letters.

TO LOVE

Hold it!

Move a bit.

There!

I have decided :

it will be half moon

and the star.

Yes, this is exact.

And the inscription ?

Here it is.

In Arabic ?

Aicha !

Aicha, make some tea for us.
We're going out.

Dear Cécile,

In this you notebook, you'll find
the last chapters of
"The cry of the Silk"

Please send this manuscript
without delay to my publisher.

I'd like this to be published
before I return.

I count on you,
thank you for everything, Gabriel.

Aicha ! Come in !

Wait, don't go.

Before you go, I'd like...

You to wait for me.

Don't be afraid.

Here, in the light.

There...

Move a bit.

Cover your face completely
with the veil.

Close it with your hands.

A little more.

Please don't move.

Lift your arms.

The other arm.

More high.

Both.

Very good. Open the arms.

More.

Perfect.

Don't be afraid.

JUST PUBLISHED

The cry of the silk

The woman was intelligent,

secret, young.

The reminder of her past
was tiresome for her.

She liked beautiful fabric.

Here it is, Sir,
If you need anything else,

just ring the button here.

It would be nice to ring it
for a long time, because...

that's my last one,
the other one stood in Verdun.

Excuse me, miss. Gabriel de Villemere.

Sorry to approach you this way,
but would you accept to work for me ?

- Are you a painter ?
but would you accept to work for me ?
- No, psychiatrist.

- Are you a painter ?
- No, psychiatrist.

I give a lesson today, here,
in the Beaux-Arts.
- No, psychiatrist.

I give a lesson today, here,
in the Beaux-Arts.

As I saw you,
I understood that I really needed ...

... a model for my lesson.

- What is that ?
- This is a Greek chlampys.

This is a roman tunic.

These are the clothes which the women of the
antiquity used to wear.

I'd like to show the students that
for Greeks, Romans and Arabs

the manner of dressing was very important.

See these folds, these contours...

they surely have a meaning,

and they can speak to us.

Why do you need me ?

You wear these clothes and walk...

walk among the students...

As a living sculpture.

- Aude !
- I'm coming.

Wait.

Take my card. I'm here on Thursday
at the same time.

And who's going to pay ?

I'll pay and I'll pay you double tariff.

You go to the attic.

You go over there.

Sir.

I found this letter under the door.

Thank you, Cécile.

Sir.

A lady was looking for you.

A lady ?

Which lady ?

I don't know. She said that her name
is Marie Benjamin.

Hello doctor.

Do you recognize me ?

Yes, sure...

- Did you read my letter ?
- Not yet.

Return it to me. I was wrong, I don't know
what took hold of me...

- Was that you ?
- Excuse me.

Thanks to you book I came to know that you have
come back from war. I couldn't prevent myself...

- Did you read it ?
- Of course.

I immediately knew that it was you.
Hence, I wrote to you immediately.

Please. Return it to me.

Please let me read it once.

Please sit down.

Only once.

Later I'd return it to you.

Please sit down.

May I read it front of you?

Dear doctor,

I read your book with passion.
Like a letter which...

No.

I cannot.

This is too much.

Excuse me, Dr Bellec has just come.

Please ask him to wait in my office.

Thank you.

- No, I'm leaving.
- Please stay.

I've disturbed you a lot. Thank you.

It's I...

Who thank you.

I'm happy to have seen you.

Please wait !

Dear doctor,

I read your book with passion.

Like a letter which I'd have waited
for all these years.

I find this war horrible, unfair.

Not for all these murders,
for this massacre.

But because it snatched you from me.

You're the first and the only man to whom I
spoke about my pleasure.

The only one who has understood me.

Thank you from the bottom
of my heart for the book.

Thank you for my portrait made by you.
So true, so intimate.

I'm proud of it.

I'd never have learned to write.

I'd never have the courage to write to
you about my gratitude.

Marie !

Bind, by means of a thread
and removing your finger,

the double-layered fabric
that your index finger had lifted.

The two fabrics will remain
firmly united.

Here is it.

So that it can't slip into her collar,

before binding,
it's enough to fill its cavity

with any ball or seed.

A jujube pit for example.

Excuse me,
I made you wait for nothing.

Don't feel bad but tonight
I prefer returning alone.

Still your eyes ?

What do you feel ?

A dizziness...

which I got from Africa...

Unless...

That's you.

- See you tomorrow maybe.
- Maybe...

- Who's he?
- A new teacher...

I think that he started to work
in September.

I've never seen so many peoples.

- Do you know who he is ?
- Gabriel...

Gabriel de Villemer.

You'll notice that the Greeks didn't leave
stripes on their clothes.

As the stripes were cut,

in one way or another it was needed to,

fix the material in order
to avoid that it got frayed.

The simplest form

is the hem [garment finishing method].

In his history of dressing of antiquity

Heuzey denied formally

that the Greeks
could have used the hem.

Let us say for aesthetic reasons.

Thank you Miss. You can leave.

However, the examination of some

statues from the Louvre museum show us

a trait in these clothes

which being parallel to the edge
can't be more than the hem.

More specifically, it's about a plain hem.

There's no doubt about this subject.

I thank you. See you next Thursday.

You see, we do quite the same work.

I never imagined that you'd talk about hem
in fine arts.

- Did you like it ?
- Yes.

I regret that I didn't come before.

Thank you, Aude.

You have been perfect.

Thank you, see you on Thursday.

Let us go out, would you like ?

I'll join you.

- Did you read it ?
- I never read novels.

How sad it is !

How was it ?

When I rethink, I only think
blue and... white.

Blue as the sky and white as the walls.

This mosque.

These women.

Is it true
that they never show their faces ?

Ah, no, never.
No, no, no.

Once, I saw some women in the desert

near a stream of water.

They were washing their clothes,
with uncovered faces.

When they saw me,
they left everything to cover it.

Two of them even lifted their skirts
to cover their faces.

Only, underneath,

they were completely nude...

Did you know many women ?

Yes, some.

Were they beautiful ?

Yes, especially one woman.

- What's her name ?
- Aicha.

Do you still like her ?

It's you who's now asking questions...

I don't know...
It was another life...

And you... after being released,

you'd have known some men.

Men don't interest me.

- Even now ?
- Yes.

And you, have you ever thought
about getting married ?

I'm unfit for marriage.

Unfit ?

Look.

There is only one way
to gather men and women.

What is it ?

Passion.

Passion leads to the worst.

People are married
because they are afraid of freedom.

While for me,
independance is priceless.

Yes but when you know that
you are awaited

That the sound of your steps can make
beating someone's heart, it is irreplaceable.

If you're not indispensable to someone,
you're nothing.

You're making the apology of love,
not marriage.

A-po-lo-gy, wait,
I'll write this one.

I try to learn one
word a day.

No, "apo...",

Great.

Over there.

This is incredible.

The wagon passed from other,
I'm quite sure.

There was an old man
who walked under the trees.

Suddenly, he stopped...
and saw his hands.

A man who saw his hands under the sun

is the last image
I carried from the prison.

It's thanks to you
that I learned to write.

It's true that I was sure
that one day I'd see you.

But I was afraid of not finding the words.

For this reason I wanted to write to you.

Once I got the worst of all punishments.

When I was banned from correspondence.

The food, the cold,
this yellow light day and night.

But when you can't write, receive letters...

You can't know.

In comparison, hell is sweet.

- Come ?
- Yes, I'm coming!

Wait !

- Are you hurt ?
- No, no, nothing happened.

- What happened ?
- I believe that I have torn my suit.

I'll fix it for you,
I've all that is needed.

Marie, will you teach me to sew?

Are you serious ?

Come...

I'd like to show something to you.

Come, come.

You can see now.

You would like ?

- What are you searching ?
- Linen.

The linen is over there.

- Beautiful, no ?
- It's beautiful! Very beautiful.

No, this is taffeta... and the Marceline.

- Ah, and this one?
- Shantung.

And this one?

Falla.

And this one ?

Silk.

Here is the linen.

Ah, that's exact.

What length do you need ?

Six meters.

Miss, can we have six meters ?

- Yes, Madam. Thank you.
- I'll help you.

Be careful. Before cutting
it needs to be washed...

Good evening Madam.

Good evening, doctor.

You saw that woman ?

She's the director of a religious school
in the island of Saint-Louis.

And you would never imagine what madam asks
her husband each night :

to beat her. Simply !

And to whip her vigorously !

- And does he do that ?
- And how !

Here you are madam,
the cash counter is here.

I have to see something in second floor.
See you down ?

In front of the main entrance ?

Madam !

Good evening Sir.

Good evening.
Will you have this dress in 36 ?

Ah. We don't have here, but I can go check in
the warehouse. Would you wait ?

Excuse me !

Excuse me !

Bravo, Cécile. Thank you !

You can leave now.

Already ? But it's not late,
I wanted to end my...

It can waits tomorrow.

Well, good evening !

And have you finished Haufman's book ?

- But you gave it to me yesterday !
- Are you sure ?

Because I wanted you to
sum it up to me in 2 days.

- Two days ?
- Yes.

I know that it is
earlier than expected but...

Tomorrow and then,
focus on finishing it.

And stay home.
It will be easier.

You think so ?
I'll be more usefull here...

See you on Thursday,
fissa fissa !

Ah, this is sufficient.

It's late, I have to go back.

Why don't you stay ?
The house is big.

There's a room for you.

No, I didn't bring my things.

We'll get them tomorrow.

If you want.

Stay.

Why don't you try to sew ?

- Let's go !
- No.

Like that ?

Hmm, this is nice.

Careful.

See, you don't need me.

Careful, no,

near the edge.

Very small points.

Are you alright ?

This is nothing.

I'm a little tired.

I'll make some tea.

Marie !

This fold looks good, doesn't it ?

Did I wake you up ?

No, I didn't sleep.

I'm going, I can't sleep here.

Maybe later.

Tonight I'll wait for you,

Will you come ?

Yes.

Excuse me Madam.
Do you know Marie Benjamin ?

Yes, but we don't work together.
Do you see the woman in the hat ?

- Ask her.
- Thank you.

Excuse me Madam.

Do you work with Marie Benjamin ?

- Do you know where she is ?
- No. You won't find her.

She has been arrested.

We don't have any news about her
since two days.

The boss told us
that she has been arrested for theft.

There's nothing to be done.

Nothing authorizes me to oblige a detainee
to come if she refuses.

Did she give any reason ?

Not to my knowledge.

If she changes her mind,

would you let me know ?

Of course.

If you allow me, doctor

I don't understand.

If you wish to see this person,
nothing obliges you. Just have to go there.

You can talk to her as her psychiatrist.

You can say something to Mr. Castagnet,
who's the incharge.

It isn't in this manner
that I want to see her.

Besides, all this is of no importance.

- May I ask you a favor ?
- Of course.

Please give her the permission to
write as much as she wants.

I think that for her it is the only
thing which matters.

Get up princess,
there's a surprise for you!

What's that ?

Look.

This prison is like other prisons.

This is the fifth time I'm in prison.
And I pray with all my forces that it would be last.

I suffer for being far from you, but I think
that it's better like this.

I can't love you as you want. I'm too afraid
of spoiling what exists between us.

If everything goes well with our messenger,
you'll get this letter tomorrow.

In spite of all the obstacles, I'll write
to you every day.

If I could do like this each day, the life
here for me would seem almost soft.

With love. Marie.

Even though it costs me, I respect your
decision of not seeing each other.

He doesn't receive anybody and I won't
make any exceptions.

- Just a moment.
- No, sorry.

Good, then tell him that very soon
I hope to receive his news.

Fine, Miss.

I'd like to know...

if he'd give classes again?

I fear not in the next few months.

Excuse me for asking but...

the doctor has always been
very generous with me.

If you could speak to him
then maybe he can help me,

while waiting I restart my work with him.

You can count on me.

Good bye.

Yes ?

The person you were waiting has just come.
I gave her your message.

Do you still need me ?

I'd like to finish the day's work with you.

You haven't stopped since morning.

- You should take some rest.
- I don't know anything else.

One asks vineyard to give only wine.

Please close the shutters.

From today, you'll draft my letters.

- All your letters ?
- No, the one related to the work.

I have to concentrate
all my forces on my book.

Ah, specifically, write to my publisher.

Tell him that my manuscript will be ready
not before two months.

That he stops to hassle.

However I'd never love anybody else.

You'd like to believe that there's no love
between us. However, I'd never love anybody else.

You're mad, you've read this hundred times.

No. I'm not mad.

You'd like to believe that there's no love
between us.

However I'd never love anybody else.

Sister Camille !

- Do you know where doctor Villemer is ?
- Here, why ?

Can we bother him ?

I don't recommend it, he's been locked up
with a sick person for almost three hours.

- Here ?
- The next one.

They found themselves well...

One has to wonder which one is
the captive of the other.

Are you afraid ?

I still have the feeling...

that someone is brushing
against me.

So it happened here, this morning,
but...

They were four men !

Look, another !

It's me.

You're holding my arms !

Gabriel,

Since last six months...

I count...

your letters as...

I count...

the days.

Warmly.

Marie.

Your car is waiting for you.
This evening, I'll come to pick you up.

What will you do
for your lesson the 11th ?

Care-full !

Sorry to insist but...

I promised Dr Schmitt an answer for tomorrow

I won't come. What for ?

What for ?!

When this thinking holds you,
it doesn't let you down anymore.

Do you smell?

How soft is the air this evening.

This reminds me of some nights in Fez...

The odor of oranges and eucalyptus.

You'd say that the air tonight is full
of a powder of light.

It's here that I believe we split.

- Good night, Cecile.
- No, today I accompany you.

Excuse me, I'd like to return alone.

See you tomorrow.

- Más lento...
- Excuse me ?

Slowly.

Dress yourself, the session is over.

Finished! Did you hear me ? Finished.

This isn't sufficient.

This can't be sufficient,
This can't be sufficient!

I count your letters,

I count...

the days.

Warmly,

Marie.

I believe there's no love possible between us.
However, I'll never love anybody else.

Here's your letter.

Thank you, Cécile.

Put it on my table, please.

Would you like me to go
search for a magnifying glass ?

No, it's of no use.

- Don't you want me to read ?
- I told you no !

Are you possessed by the demon of obedience

or that of the curiosity ?

I have lot of curiosity
for your work and only your work.

Your private life, believe me,
doesn't interest me.

Excuse me, Cécile.

I spent a very bad night.

I didn't want to hurt you.

And your book ?

You don't talk anymore about it.

- No. I don't want to think anymore of it.
- Why ?

I fear I wouldn't be able to go
until the end.

You must continue, you can't leave it.

I thank you, Cécile.

I can't do any more. I feel pity.

The slight search takes hours.

Finding a paper among other papers has
become an insurmountable task.

I can help you.

About what ?

I don't have any more energy,
concentration.

Why don't we try a dictation ?

No, Cécile. It isn't possible.

Let me deal with a dictation.

Don't insist, Cécile.

Please do it for me!

- For you ?
- Yes, for me !

We can work in the night,
the silence helps you a lot.

At night, the words come easily.

I'm at your service, at any time,
if you like...

From tonight, I'll sleep here.

...or any other tension.

As you want.

Please read last two paragraphs.

The patient abandoned
all sexual relations with the man.

During masturbation,
it's the image of the silk

which appears in her mind
and not of the man.

It's only the silk which acts
as an auxiliary.

She exceeds in her pleasure
and replaces the man.

Continue.

We've remarked almost twice
that our patient...

didn't want rolls but
completely finished dresses.

It seems that the silk achieves
in a dress

the highest quality desired
by the patient.

Her rigidity.

In fact, the silk shouldn't touch
the skin softly but still that...

No, no, no. please correct.

Instead of "touch" put...

"caress".

Caress the skin delicately.

The silk must not only

caress... the skin delicately,

it's necessary that it has a body.

While the man wants a fabric
to have a set of female characteristics,

the fetishist woman searches in silk,

apart from its softness, a sort of...

internal energy
which evokes the muscle,

or any other firmness as she wants.

Very good.

Still two or three nights like this
and we'll see the end.

I'm sure.
I'm sure.

Are you not going to sleep?

No yet. Take rest.

Good night.

- Cécile.
- Yes.

If you have questions

I prefer that you ask them.

No, no, I don't have questions.

Oh come on, I can feel them,
I can almost hear them.

I assure you that you're wrong.

For example you can example me if

there isn't some readiness
to oblige in these descriptions

for this strange mania.

I'm not so stupid.

This is a question
which I even asked myself.

If you wish to know,
I like very much what you wrote.

I find that this is a...
magnificent portrait.

Thank you.

I didn't want to offend you.

It's magnificent,
but this woman is driving you crazy.

I warn you that I'm not going to get her letters.
They're causing you too much harm.

Would you do me a favor ?

Yes, of course.

Please read me this letter.
I don't have the correct glasses.

Dear Gabriel...

More further...
More further.

There is no letter from your side since many days.
Do you receive my letters ?

Are you ill ?
Or tired of our correspondence ?

I request you to tell me
what's happening.

I can't bear the feeling
of not knowing about you.

Please come! I want to see you.
The risks don't matter.

Your Marie.

The cataract is fully developed.

Gabriel, I prefer that you learn quickly that
I won't do your eye operation.

- Why ?
- Trust me.

I'll take an appointment
with Doctor Angelucci in Rome.

He's the best specialist.

His successes are tremendous.

Will they have to operate
both the eyes on the same time ?

You decide.

Then yes, both the eyes.

When you decide,
I'll personally call Doctor Angelucci.

I await your sign.

It's decided.

Is it decided ?
Are you sure ?

When we go for her

I'd like that nobody knows why she's called.
Is it possible ?

I understand...
you'd like to see the reactions.

May I close the window ?

- Is there a problem ?
- No. Everything is fine.

- I'm going to...
- May I sit for a moment ?

Please.

Excuse me.

It's nothing... it's nothing.

Sir, doctor Bellec is asking
for you on phone.

Dear Mother,

I have given my secretary
the task of giving this letter to you,

if the operation doesn't go well.

As a doctor,
I should anticipate all scenarios.

As I told Dr Bellec...

I put my eyes at the disposal of my colleagues
who want to examine.

I'd like Islamic stone in my tomb.
Thank you, Gabriel.

Cécile, my operation will take place
before the scheduled time.

- I'm leaving day after tomorrow.
- Already ?

You want to read the end.

I'm so fed up, you know, fed up.

Marie !

Nobody told me anything,
but I knew that it was you.

I was afraid that you might change opinion
at the last moment.

Oh, no, but you don't write anymore to me.
Why ? Don't you receive my letters ?

I can't say anything today.
Please come.

I'll explain to you when I return.
I promise you.

You are leaving ?

Yes. On Monday for Rome.
I have to attend series of conferences.

I won't be able neither to read
nor write to you.

Did you believe
that I didn't want to see you ?

I had the impression
that you'll come out of prison.

Don't say that.

Thanks for your efforts
I'm not judged as a patient.

I'm judged for my thefts
and for my mania!

- When are you coming ?
- On 15th.

Three long weeks.

When you're free,
you'll come to live with me.

We'll try again.

We aren't lovers like...

...like others. I know.

But we aren't monsters.

We're from the same species,
from the same blood.

Our passion has brought us together.

And our passion separates us. Look.

I've disappointed you... I'm not cured.

You haven't disappointed me.

We'll love each other in all manners,
that's all.

We're capable of it.

They're calling us.

Take me.

Take me.

I can't live without you.

Without seeing you,
without speaking to you.

Soon we'll be together, soon.

Lie down.

Trust. Everything will be alright.

Irrigator.

Open the eye.

Syringe.

Compress.

Cécile ?

Have you followed me until here ?

Is it night ? I don't hear anything.

No, it's the siesta time.
Everybody's sleeping at the hotel.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Is there sun ?

Yes, the road is deserted. It's very hot.

- And the sky ?
- Blue.

Blue. What kind of blue ?

The sky has so many manners
of being blue.

Pure, without clouds.

I had crazy dreams.

I didn't remember anything.

Did I speak ?

If I have spoken, please tell me.

- Where are you ?
- Here !

Please come closer.

Please sit next to me.

You look worried.

- No, no.
- Yes, yes.

There's a kind of shadow on your face.
I can see it.

What happened ?

You said...

I see you better when you speak.

Your conference.

What's the day today ?

Tuesday.

I didn't dare disturb
as I didn't want to trouble you.

But we can change the date.

No, don't think about it !

Marie, do you write
this letter to me or not ?

Then... What do you want to tell him ?

My love, my dear.

My rat.

My rat?

For this woman,
the silk substitutes the man.

It exceeds her,
it definitely excludes her.

Excuse me.

I don't understand the radical change
of your point of view.

You've always affirmed
that the fetishist woman

has an ornament of the mind
as an object of her obsession,

and we can't allow ourselves to be deceived
by this woman's protests.

And that,

her case was nothing more than a secret
and shameful form of fetishism.

From your voice,
I'd say that you are young,

therefore, impatient.

I was like you.

But it's a reality.

We have to accept,
even though it offends

the idea, which we have of our profession

that this woman doesn't need men.

This woman only wants silk.

And as far as I know,
the man is neither of wood nor silk,

Gentlemen, a last question?

Doctor Solano !

I'd like to ask Doctor Villemer

what his future projects are ?

For the moment, I have only three projects.

Walk in Piazza Navona, sit in the sun,

and drink a good white wine.

At least one.

Thank you, professor, Thank you.

Please, calm yourself. Stop, please.

Please, please, come.

Fast Cécile, Fast!

I'm here, I'm here.

Take a pen, take a pen, fast.

Please take a pen Cécile.

Write.

I promise that we'll do it tomorrow.

I have to write it immediately !
Ahora!

Write, write.

I'll never see you.

I'll never see neither you
nor anybody else...

- Quiet.
- Note it down!

She has to leave,
she has to leave immediately.

Immediately !

I need her, I need her.

Get her out immediately.
Get her out!

Write:

Dear state prosecutor

She's innocent !

She's innocent !

A telegram from your publisher.

The proofs are ready.

Can we can go tomorrow ?

I don't like this.

When one of my books is printed, I prefer
to forget it. Turn the page.

Re-read,

It forces me to remember
what has finished.

How can you say that ?

I'm empty now,

it's the only state which suits me.

- Is there still some coffee ?
- Yes.

- In the night, you...
- No, please, Cécile.

Let us forget all that.

Besides, you shouldn't be delayed.

If you want breakfast.

You're right.

- You don't need anything ?
- No, Thank you.

If you have any doubt
for correction, call me.

See you soon.

You don't need me.
You are free!

You are leaving the prison in two days !
Good luck !

Two days.

SUPPLEMENT TO THE EROTIC PASSION

OF A WOMAN FOR THE FABRICS

This is a suicide.

It appears that the maid found the body.

Who wrote ?

It doesn't matter. I'll never put this
stone on his grave.

I understand, Agnès.
The press will write anything.

Hurry up !

Four thousand.
There should be four thousand.

It's unimaginable.

What are you going to do?

What Gabriel wished...
give it to the museum of man.

Madam is right. This stone can't be
on your friend's grave.

How madam ?
Did you forget Gabriel's wish ?

I should think about us all,
I should think of my family.

- And the photos ?
- We're going to burn them.

But this is a sacrilege !

These photos have
enormous scientific importance.

Not for me.

But it isn't for you to decide !

If it isn't me, then who'll decide ?

You don't know
that they'll look out for dirt,

to get us dirty.

- Did you collect your things?
- Yes, Madam.

I hope that you haven't forgotten anything.
Tomorrow, this house will be empty.

Good bye.

150, awarded, sold !

Third manuscript, published in 1913

entitled : "The passionate psychosis"

of Doctor Villemer.
Opening bid price: 30,000 francs

40 inside... 50

The lady... 60

70, second row.

80...

90... the lady,

100... 110...
120 in the first row,

130 in the second row.

Yes, 140...

150... 150...

Ladies and gentlemen
the bidding is over.

Madam !

I'd like to speak to you for a moment.

My name is Marie Benjamin. I was a friend of
your son. During many months...

We wrote many letters to each other. They don't
have any price. Will you return them back to me ?

Return them back to you ? But I don't
know where these letters are.

At your house.

I can assure you that no letter from your
side was found at our place.

Excuse me for insisting.

You can insist till tomorrow morning but
it won't change anything.

The night before his death, Gabriel burned

many letters. Your letters should
have been among them.

Good night.

Madam !

This story is inspired by the life and works

by Gaëtan Gatian de Clérambault,
psychiatrist (1872- 1934).