Original subtitles

Translation: slootje

With this insurance, you can sleep soundly,

knowing that whatever happens,

you can pay the vet, for example. And for only €26.90 a month.

After all, a pet is part of the family.

Hello?

Damn it...

It's Léa, insurance advisor. Sorry to bother you, but do you have a pet?

Hello? Good day, Ms. Garcia, it's Baptiste Mendy.

Yes, may I ask you if...

Hello?

Damn it...

Hey, wait a minute.

Good day, Mr. Vielle.

Sorry to bother you. I have a quick question for you.

Wait, it'll come to me. Yes, I remember now.

I want to ask you a question.

Do you happen to have a pet? Ah, a cocker spaniel.

How nice, a cocker spaniel. My wife always wanted one.

I wanted to ask you something else.

Is this cocker spaniel insured?

You're not answering anymore.

He hung up.

THE ANSWERING MACHINE

Sorry, problems at work.

You look good today.

I can help you with money.

I have to go on stage. -Tell me, right?

I'll tell you. Kiss, bye now. -I'll call you later.

Surprise me by looking nice for once.

Oh yeah, you live on the street. -I'm dying laughing.

Come on, let's go.

Let's go, come on.

We're going for it.

Good evening, thank you...

As you know by now, I am...

...Baptiste. -That's right. Thank you.

I'm from Lille. When I came to Paris,

something special happened in my life.

People looked at me. Especially women.

For now, only old ladies holding their bags tightly.

But not just them, the police too.

The police here are special.

Good day, sir.

Do you know what I'm going to ask?

I'll tell you.

Your ID, please, sir. Thank you.

Baptiste Mendy.

It's our orders, sir. You may go.

What a strange job.

Just checking something with you: Lille...

is in the north, right?

Because I spoke to a man recently and he said:

Oh really?

In the north?

You mean the north of Senegal? -I don't mean North Senegal.

When I told my mother I was doing impressions, she said: 'Fine, son.'

How about the impression of someone who gets a job?

You were great. -You're getting better.

How many were here tonight? -You know what my drama teacher said?

Talent never remains unknown. -You just have to be patient.

That's it. -And someone wants to talk to you.

Pierre Chozène, I am... -I know.

My mother loved your new book. -My worst one.

Even the critics liked it.

Critics only had a few questions.

They hadn't read it. And you?

I appreciate your honesty. Excuse me...

My compliments.

You are very talented. Really.

Isn't my material weak?

I don't listen to the content. But the impressions...

Record if you want.

A drink to end the evening?

Will you come with me? -Gladly.

I listen until I have an image for it.

We're not allowed to serve alcohol, but I always have a bottle of vodka.

Perfect. -That's good.

With Stromae, for example, I see reeds. With Bashung, a panther.

I focus on that image until I've mastered the voice.

It's a kind of sound visualization.

Here you go. -Thank you.

A toast to you. -Cheers.

Do you do that with female voices too?

More or less, yes.

I also start with an image, but through the voice in my head.

Good evening. -Good evening.

Good evening. -I train it like a muscle.

Step by step I achieve the flexibility.

I push it towards the bass so the boundary between head and chest disappears.

It seems easy for you.

Sometimes voices escape me. -We're leaving.

Will you hang up your things, please?

Don't worry. -See you, until tomorrow.

I'm leaving too.

Already? -Thank you.

Thank you for coming.

Have a nice evening. -You too. Thank you.

This is weird. -What did he want from you?

No idea. -He has many fans he can bring.

That wouldn't be bad. -That's certainly good.

Excuse me, pardon me.

I didn't mean to startle you.

I didn't just come here. I'd like to talk to you.

In private, I mean.

Would you like to come over to my place for a drink?

My invitation must seem strange.

You could say that, yes.

I've thought about what I want to say so much, I don't know where to start.

Whiskey, 50 years old, only for special occasions.

Right...

I've started a new book.

No one knows what it's about yet.

For the first time, I've decided to write in the first person.

But please, sit down. To take on the fight.

Working like this, open and unprotected, is new to me.

It's like entering a new dimension.

But for that, I need to be able to commit 100%.

And the problem is this.

I've stopped counting the calls. Some days I go crazy.

I can't concentrate. But I can't shut it off either.

Of course, sometimes I put it on vibrate. I don't answer.

But my mind is obsessed. Who is calling...

and why? Is it urgent?

Turn it off. -I do.

Often all day, so I can work.

It's hard, but I manage. The problem is the evening.

When I listen to the messages.

I'm ashamed, but the first thing I do after work,

is turn on my phone. It's stronger than I am.

Luckily, I've resisted the temptation of social media.

This might sound crazy, but I thought that...

someone could answer in my place.

Someone like you. An impersonator.

Are you serious?

You want me to pretend to be you?

You think I'm crazy.

Why don't you ask people to leave you alone?

They don't understand that. Or rather, they don't want to understand.

Just like they don't realize how much concentration writing requires.

After every call, I have to get back into it.

Hire an assistant, not an impersonator.

I want to be left alone.

I want to disappear temporarily. To know nothing for a while.

That's why I want someone like you.

Who pretends to be me. Who replaces me until the book is finished.

A few weeks, a month at most.

What should I say? I don't know them.

Just listen.

They usually talk about their lives. I usually don't say anything.

That wasn't my question.

What is this? -My life.

Your life? -One page per person.

I've described the most important things, the topics we discuss.

Like a Bible. Or those TV shows: one sheet per character.

These are your friends, your family.

They won't be fooled. Not even by the best impersonator.

It's so grand that no one will have any doubt.

Should I conduct a conversation from here?

When did you write this 'Bible'?

When I started considering giving my phone to someone like you.

Arsène, who is that? The director?

A nice guy, but his films are deadly boring.

Elsa Chozène. -That's my daughter.

She has golden hands, but doesn't know how to start.

She prefers writing articles in stupid magazines to painting.

I have friends in that industry, but she doesn't want my help.

Are you ready to entrust your life to me?

I could, I don't know,

blackmail you. Put things on the internet.

Would you do that?

Of course not.

I'm sorry, I'm not going to do this.

Even if it works, it's sick.

No one knows. -Yes, I do.

I will pay you well. -I already have a job.

Cash, if you want.

And if someone finds out?

Have you thought about that? I'm bound to make mistakes.

I'll figure things out. -Try it.

I need you, Baptiste.

Get out of the way. -Wait, I'm leaving.

What do we call it? -He's a wizard.

Pierre Chozène, you are one of the writers with a voice...

that we hear in every first paragraph of your novels.

For me, the novel is first and foremost words set to a melody.

Many words, because you are very productive. A novel every two years.

Where do you get your inspiration?

It's probably disappointing, but I have no imagination.

I base it on memories, encounters that I construct,

transpose, transfigure, reinvent.

How do you explain that your characters refuse to compromise or lie?

They try to realize their ideals.

Do you also try to realize your ideals? -I put the truth above everything.

Like a mantra, I force myself to do it.

Talking about yourself is permanent lying.

What you remember, what you've been told, what you've forgotten, never happened.

My best memories are from the time when there were no problems.

Something struck me: we see you less and less in public.

How come? Is that what you want?

Maybe. I refused...

You received a major award for your last novel.

Have you achieved something as a writer, or is it satisfying?

I'm grateful for the award, but...

besides helping you pay the rent, it doesn't mean much.

The ultimate luxury would be being able to do what I want,

without having to justify it to anyone.

But that's just a dream.

Hello, Pierre, it's Barbara. I'm calling on behalf of Jacques.

Let me know how your new book is coming along.

The novel...

The novel, in my opinion.

The novel, in my opinion.

The novel, in my opinion,

is words set to a melody.

Words...

A melody...

What is this? Too fragile.

I'm a novelist without imagination. He speaks louder.

That's a lie. A chronic lie.

I'm raising the father...

I appreciate your honesty, Baptiste.

My daughter... My daughter has a...

My daughter has golden hands...

She prefers writing for silly magazines.

You know, I don't say much.

People need someone to listen. You just have to listen.

You have golden hands, my daughter. My invitation must seem strange.

Strange. You probably think I'm crazy.

And you'd be right. Sit down, Baptiste.

Sit down, Baptiste. He pulls through longer.

Hello, sir.

Good day. Hello, sir.

Good day. Hello, sir.

Longer than that.

Hello, sir. Yes...

Good day. You're not interested in our insurance.

I place the truth...

I place the truth above everything.

So you want that...

Would you like some tea?

Hello?

So? Are you ready?

It's not easy.

Should I take that as a compliment?

I need more time. -I'm counting on you, Baptiste.

Excuse me, this book, please.

Let's see.

All this time on Earth, we don't think about what we do,

we don't do what we say, and we don't say what we think.

That's it.

All this time on Earth, we don't think about what we do,

we don't do what we say, and we don't say what we think.

He wants to believe in another world, even if he knows it's impossible.

Elena had broken into his life and...

You don't like it?

It's not that, but I don't recognize myself.

You never recognize your own voice. Is this you?

This isn't me...

I'm sorry I dragged you into this.

It was a bad idea, I'll pay you... -No, wait...

Where's your cell phone? -On the desk.

May I?

Sorry for calling back late, but I was working.

No worries. Is it going well?

Pretty well. How about you?

Hope you have time to paint. -Not really.

You know I can arrange an exhibition just like that.

You've said that 25,000 times.

I have to go, I'm late. I'll call you tonight.

You know I don't like that.

We'll call later. -Kisses, bye.

How did you know about those gallery owners?

I improvised. I had to, right?

It's extraordinarily good.

What image did you have of me in your head?

A swing in a garden, in the summer.

That's beautiful.

Here you go.

How can I contact you?

I have another phone.

The number is in the envelope. No one knows it.

I know what you're going to say, but...

I really liked 'Dans la Nuit'. I'm going to read the rest, too.

Would you sign them? -Go read detective novels. If you must.

You're my savior.

Thank you.

Did you quit your job? -Yeah.

Bizarre, you're bizarre. You're crazy.

At the same time, you have gold in your hands.

You have the numbers of all the important people.

Oh yeah? -Gustave Marandin.

He owns all the theaters. Amazing.

Don't tell anyone, okay?

I mean it. -I'm not an idiot.

Everything to your liking? -Yes, fine, thank you.

That guy's crazy, right? Would you do something like that?

Does he hate his life or something?

It's not that simple. -What if he changes his mind?

Hello? Yes, good day, sir.

Do you have a pet? A 'wise one'?

A 'wise one' is original, not normal.

Plus the noise and the stench...

Do you want dessert? -I'll have two, since Stocky's paying.

You won't tell me what it is? Pierre, we've worked together for 20 years.

And after 20 years, do you know what I do? -No, that's true, but...

Well, even so...

Hello? Is everything alright?

I'm fine, yes. -Because you usually yell at me.

Alright, I'll let you go. Good evening.

I look forward to your book.

Good evening, Nathalie. -What a solemn tone.

Did you want to talk to me?

I can't manage, Pierre. I can't live on what you pay me.

I can barely pay my rent.

Hello?

I'll be back in five minutes.

Yes, Baptiste.

I had your ex-wife on the line.

She wants more alimony. -Just stall her.

How do I do that?

Just sort it out, Baptiste. That's what I pay you for.

I'm working. Watch out for her.

She's toxic.

Hello Nathalie, are you still there?

Why are you calling me by my first name?

Hello? -Hello, Dad.

Am I disturbing you? -Never, darling.

Do you want to tell me something?

The man I told you about last time,

I think I'm in love with him.

Do you just think so, or is it true? -I don't know, that's why I called.

What was his name again?

I haven't told you yet. His name is Gabriel Lozano.

The literary critic?

I met him at Lucky's.

He's very attractive.

I'm seeing him again tomorrow.

What do you expect from me? Advice?

I urgently need advice. You know him. He likes your novels.

Of course.

Don't you like him?

That's not it, but...

You know what I think of journalists. -He's different.

How is he different? -Like I said. You're annoying.

Good evening.

I have to tell this.

Hello, Fanny. -Hello, how are you?

Will you do me a favor? -Depends, what is it?

Your taste.

Hello, Baptiste.

I'm making coffee, do you want some?

It must be simple. Being styled is a sign of bad taste.

This isn't bad.

Does it fit well?

What should I say? -Do this.

It's too tight.

Put that one on. That one is good.

The socks. Socks are essential.

You always catch a glimpse of them, and if they're the wrong ones,

you're screwed.

Look, these brand new ones...

They're perfect. Look...

Nice. -Nice, huh?

And? -Here, put this on.

I'll call you right back.

Hey, Chloë? What do you think?

Yeah, very sexy. -It's cheap, but it works.

New message. Received today at 1:47 PM.

Hello Pierre, François. We don't see each other much. Hope all is well.

I saw Guzma Randin recently.

Do you want to come to the premiere of his new work? Shall we go together?

Here you go. -Hello.

Thank you very much.

You'll see, it's his best.

I just started.

I'd do anything for an interview with him.

He's working on a new novel.

Do you know him?

I know a few things, yes.

Haven't we met before?

I don't think so.

I have read your articles, though. -Oh...

I network like everyone else. What interests me is literature.

But your last article on Houellebecq was brilliant.

Not really. Two hours, exclusive interview.

Chozène is difficult. He distrusts journalists.

I always manage, but he's a disaster.

Anyway, I'm not giving up. I know his daughter well.

And guess what: she likes me.

She could be here any minute.

Everything alright? -I'm late.

And you? -Fine.

This is Elsa Chozène.

Elsa is good. -Baptiste, in short.

Hi.

We've met before. -Oh, really?

Your opening at 104. That was it. -Really?

What? -My only exhibition.

I especially liked the black and white series.

Those silhouettes, like zombies coming out of nowhere.

Excuse me, Sabine? -I thought it was wonderful.

What a crazy story. -Is there a new exhibition?

Not really.

That's a shame.

Then I'll have to wait. -Come to my studio.

You can't just do that. -Yes, I can...

Come to my studio. Wait...

I'll give you my card.

A bit old-fashioned, I'm an old soul. -Excuse me.

I'll be right back.

I still remember the sentence I found...

Does this happen often?

What do you mean?

That men want to sleep with you to get to your father.

Are you leaving already? -Yes, I have to go.

See you next time.

Baptiste is great.

And Sabine approved my article. Get your handkerchief.

It's 30 degrees, life is beautiful.

Are you okay?

Tell me about your article.

Of course what I did was possible.

I'm calm, but I'm not talking to your colleague.

I got it yesterday. -That's not my job.

What were you thinking?

She asked for advice. -From her father, not you.

Right now, I am her father.

I told her the truth.

The truth? What truth?

Is this a joke? -Baptiste, get ready. You're up.

Arms up. -What's wrong with Vincent?

He's losing his funding. -Really?

He's afraid of losing the theater. -Can that happen?

We're at that point. -So what happens next?

Then nothing.

First, it was the wrong document.

Then they said they hadn't received it.

Then the person isn't there, and you have to wait for her return.

Then everything had to be redone.

So nothing has changed. -I'm telling you, they're rats.

Have you stopped seeing new things? -On the contrary.

I saw a great company.

They're reinterpreting 'Échille' with saucers and spoons.

What nonsense. -It's art and it's new.

It's usually nonsense.

And totally something else.

Did you see it? -Of course.

It's a good decision. -You're not the target audience.

This show isn't for you. I love you very much.

But it's for a different audience. Yes, I love you very much.

But I don't decide that.

Hello? -Hello, Pierre.

I'm just reminding you about the masterclass next week.

I'm sorry, but I can't do it. -What do you mean, you can't?

But you said 'yes' last month. We've already postponed it twice.

What excuse can I possibly give now?

Just handle it, Mireille. That's what I pay you for.

It's about the donkey. -Excuse me?

In chapter seven, your character eats donkey.

I was wondering if I could change it to broth.

I'm afraid 'donkey' makes no sense.

You're joking, I hope?

Why not soup, while you're at it? -That's a minor detail.

It feels good to hear your voice.

Remember that night we spent together in that hotel in Poitiers?

Listen, Nathalie... -I'm not far from you.

I could stop by.

Like our romantic evenings back then.

I'm working. -You're not saying 'no'.

I'm really sorry, but... -You, sorry?

Give us one last chance.

Is it my body?

Are you disgusted by my body?

Don't twist things.

Have a nice evening.

DOES VELVET SUIT YOU?

CALL ME, EVEN IF IT'S LATE

I don't care if you want to or not...

Unbelievable...

Hello, Dad. Are you doing well?

At my age, 'going' isn't so bad.

But 'going well' is another story.

I had your daughter on the phone.

She sounded quite angry at you.

Do you need anything?

It's been a long time since I asked anyone for anything.

I was with your mother this morning.

We spent two hours together.

The house is empty without her.

I understand how you feel. -I don't think you do.

I know I'm bothering you. Lots of love.

Hello, Mr. 'Chozène'. -Good to see you. Come in...

Since you're here anyway...

Yes, yes...

Is it coming along?

Tea or coffee? -Tea, please.

Please, have a seat.

I can tell you this: I'm writing about my father.

What did your father do?

He was a teacher in a village in Normandy.

He taught me to love words.

This book is my way of honoring him.

Have a seat.

He must be very proud.

I haven't told him anything. -I mean, of you.

I hope so, but we never talk about that.

He's not very outspoken, more reserved.

What does your father do? -He died when I was five.

That's awful. -I don't remember much.

No recording of his voice? Nothing at all?

My mother said he had a cheerful voice, which he passed on to me.

I wanted to be a musician to write about that joy. Like Mozart.

Why didn't you do that? -It wasn't in the cards for me.

And if you could do it over? -I don't know if I'd want to.

We think we have all the time. One day you look around, it's too late.

It's never too late.

It's too late more often than you think.

Hello?

Hello, Mr. Chozène. Sorry to bother you. It's Gabriel Lozano.

How did you get my number? -I'm a friend of your daughter.

A friend? And she just gave him my number?

You haven't given an interview in a long time.

Are you giving my number to journalists?

What are you talking about? -Lozano.

He just called. I warned you.

I shouldn't have to tell you again.

We've already discussed this. What didn't you understand?

I don't want my books to be adapted into films.

It's not personal.

I've been thinking about you a lot. How you behaved with Lucky.

How did I behave?

It felt like a school meeting. -You were right about Gabriel.

Didn't you see that coming?

It's not the first time. I seem to attract jerks.

My therapist calls it 'fear of success'.

I don't know what that is.

I choose men who aren't right for me or aren't available. It's the same.

Maybe that's not surprising with such crazy parents?

What about you?

What do you do for work?

Do you really want to know?

That one is fantastic. -You think so?

That's Jakub.

A Pole I met in Berlin.

Intense portrait. -He's dead.

Oh, really?

And the others? -They're doing fine, I think.

I hope so.

You really have talent.

Would you be willing to pose for me?

Me?

This is what I mean.

I want to create something based on this.

What do you think?

It looks like...

Her body seems motionless.

As if she caught us, but doesn't care.

It is weird to replace her with a man, though.

But it's funny. Right?

So, will you do it? -What?

Pose for me.

Your hand. A little further out.

Like that. Perfect.

A little more in the light.

Not like that.

Your whole face, like this...

Head slightly up.

Face up a little more.

Yes, like that. Perfect.

Dad, are you okay?

Are you working? -Yes.

Always. -Why always?

Every time I call, you're busy.

I have all the time. You ask a question, I answer.

Yes, I am working.

What's the problem? -There is no problem.

Apparently there is. -I just wanted to talk to you.

Great, let's talk.

Great?

As a writer, you should choose better words.

I could have said 'nice' or 'fine', indeed.

Or astonishing. Fantastic, even.

Did you really say that to him?

Sorry, it just slipped out. -On the contrary.

Quite the opposite. My father bottled everything up.

At 90, he's still angry at the world.

A little contradiction will do him good.

I can't handle that.

Even now, I act like a little boy around him. It's pathetic.

My father lives in a world that no longer exists.

If only he knew the whole thing is collapsing. -Collapsing?

I've been very interested in 'collapsology' for a while.

In what?

'Collapsology' is the science...

that tries to determine the time and manner of collapse.

The collapse of what? -Of everything.

Refugee flows, global warming, rising sea levels, everything.

I'll give you some more. -It's delicious.

It's good, isn't it?

Just a little more then. -And some rice.

What would you do if the end was imminent?

I don't know. -Do you know why?

Man cannot contemplate his end. It's unbearable.

He prefers to think he's immortal.

You are leaving something behind. Your work is immortal.

My work?

It's air, paper, it will perish. Who will remember me in ten years?

Am I disappointing you?

I had imagined you differently.

What did you imagine?

Journalists maintain an image of me that isn't true.

They're very good at that.

I, well, you were called by Gabriel Lozano.

He's different. He understands things.

If I want to be interviewed, it's by him.

Do you have anything else to do tonight?

Well done.

Do you think I drink too much?

You're absolutely right.

That's not news.

Everyone knows it.

Not so long ago, it ruined love for me.

An extraordinary woman.

I thought I was too old to fall in love,

but when it happened,

the alcohol ruined everything.

After a while, she got fed up.

Once I was drunk and said nasty things to her.

The worst part is, I don't remember what. She didn't want to see me again.

That must seem quite ridiculous to you.

My pathetic life.

While the world is ending.

Strangely, I think a lot about my pathetic life.

Now that I don't care about it.

Especially at night.

Are you talking about Clara,

in your last book?

She loved me.

And I did nothing with it.

Maybe I should go, M. Chozène. It's late.

Just call me Pierre.

Please.

What time is it? Oh, I'm sorry.

One last one then? I'll call a taxi for you.

Hello?

Good evening, Clara.

Were you asleep?

Not at all.

I'm just surprised. It's very unexpected.

I've wanted to call you for a long time.

I miss you, Clara. -I miss you too.

I'm very sorry. -Forget it.

That's precisely the problem. I've forgotten what happened.

What I said that evening.

You really don't remember anything? -Very little.

I often think of you. Do you remember what you wrote to me?

'Nadezhda' in Russian means hope.

'Nadezhda' in love means patience.

Too fast, too slow, time passes.

Do we have enough left to start over one day?

We have enough left, yes.

Why haven't we spoken for so long?

Hi, it's me. -I have to hang up, Pierre.

Sleep well. -Sleep well, Clara.

Hello, Gus. Funny you should call me.

I was recently at a show by a great young impressionist.

Do you suddenly find people interesting?

But he is totally different... -You're joking.

Say it's a joke. Don't you have anything else to say?

What do you mean you don't have anything else to say?

Clara and you embarrassed me. I never expected that from you.

Or maybe I did. -Listen, Gus, I...

Don't call me Gus anymore, understood?

It's not what you think. I held back for a long time.

How kind of you.

Is it all her fault? -I didn't say that.

Clara is not to blame. -Never mind, she told me everything.

I don't know what got into me. I was freaking out.

See? I can't do this. -Calm down.

You told me to improvise. I did what I could.

Something to drink? -A coffee for me.

Excuse me, you two already know each other, right?

Pierre told me that you are extremely talented.

Dumped by two men with one voice.

Very special. -Sit down, Baptiste.

It was wonderful how you talked to me in Pierre's voice.

Live, I mean. If you don't mind.

Do you still know that poem, Clara?

'Nadezhda' in Russian means hope.

In love it means patience.

Nadezhda...

in Russian means hope.

A beautiful song by Moustaki.

Did you often use other people's words to seduce me?

Sometimes, yes. -Did someone ask you something?

You're making things up.

That's right, yes. More or less.

That's why the three of us are here. -I figured that out when I came yesterday.

I confessed everything right away. I couldn't help it.

But we're not changing a thing.

We'll carry on... 'Nadezhda'...

means 'hope' in Russian.

Should I leave you two alone?

I have a question. Should I call Baptiste for Pierre?

It's me, Pierre.

Why are you laughing?

The way you say that, with such certainty.

It's me, Pierre.

That means nothing to me anymore. -Excuse me?

Nathalie, get out of my life.

Did you call me by my first name? -I did.

Is there someone else? -Yes, there is.

You just say that? I'll make your life a living hell.

You and your worthless books.

Hello? -Hello, Dad?

Hi Dad, are you doing okay?

I should be asking you that. It's already late.

Is everything alright? -No, it's not.

Gabriel just called. He wants to see me.

I know you'll say he's wrong. But fair is fair.

You think so?

I'm a journalist too.

Sometimes you have to be sly.

You're not a journalist, you're a painter.

Are you calling me now just to talk about Lozano?

Why do you look so glum?

We can take a break.

I'm fine.

Think of all the women who posed for hours for a masterpiece.

Why do you think your parents are crazy?

Our whole family is a little crazy.

My parents' divorce was a huge relief.

My mother is...

truly crazy.

My dad is in his own bubble, but...

I love him.

Sometimes I feel sorry for him.

Why?

Writing is like painting, you're all alone.

If only he'd meet someone.

Are you posing for her?

Naked?

Do you like her?

She's obsessed with Lozano.

He is handsome, though.

You think so?

He's not okay. But that's what makes him so sexy.

We know a man like that will make us suffer.

Yeah, very sexy.

If you want to hook up, you prefer a bad guy.

A bad guy?

A villain.

Generous...

Bad guy.

Nonsense.

Not now.

Hello Dad, do you need me? -I need you?

Listen, Dad, I'm fed up. -Excuse me?

I'd like to hear that.

And without a question mark. -What are you talking about?

I'm tired of your tone.

You've never said anything kind to me.

Literature was supposed to connect us, but you never talk about my books.

Do you really want to hear my opinion about your books?

I don't like your books. They lack authenticity, they're bad.

Emptiness on glossy paper.

Hi Nino, how are you? Is Vincent here?

He has an appointment with the 'URSSAF'.

I need to try something else.

Something more abstract, maybe.

Less figurative. Simpler. More...

Purer, perhaps.

But if we succeed, it will be beautiful.

My dad will love it. This is his usual spot.

Hello.

Hey, hello. -My daughter, are you okay?

Do you remember Clara, from the gallery on the corner?

Hello...

This is Baptiste. Baptiste, this is my father.

Baptiste is currently posing for me. -Oh, really?

Just like this. I'll be right back.

That face. -Are you playing games?

Sorry, I didn't have time to tell you.

That's what you wanted, right, to know nothing.

You do need to know certain things.

For Pierre, real life is too complicated. That's what attracts me to you.

The painting was her idea. -Are you two a couple?

It's purely professional.

What do you think of Elsa?

A great girl. So passionate.

In terms of painting. So, should I encourage her?

Yes, definitely. I mean, her paintings are sublime.

We're done, take our spot.

Are you leaving? -Yes.

Are you still mad at me?

Why? -Because of Lozano.

I would never do that.

I believe you.

Really? -I believe you.

Do you promise? -Of course.

Goodbye, Elsa.

It was very nice to meet you, Baptiste.

I can't wait to see the result.

Your father thought we were a couple.

That doesn't surprise me.

Do you want to know if I want to sleep with you?

The answer is yes.

Personally, I'd really like that.

Posing is kind of erotic.

Total stillness evokes desire.

It's automatic, chemical even.

You have to contradict that desire, transcend it.

Above all, you mustn't confuse desire and lust.

Lots of men turn me on,

but I don't necessarily desire them.

Desire is something else. -The menu.

Thank you.

I recommend the truffle pasta. It's really good.

There's something elusive about you.

And figurative work isn't working.

So I'm trying to break through.

Maybe we should just screw.

That'll relieve the tension.

Hello, M. Chozène. This is Professor Couturier from Rouen University Hospital.

Unfortunately, I have to tell you this over the phone: your father had a heart attack.

We did what we could, but his heart was too weak.

When was the last time you spoke to him on the phone?

A few days ago.

He was proud of you.

I knew it deep down. But it's good to hear.

I have to go to Normandy. Can I have my phone?

Temporarily, of course.

I'll give it back as soon as possible.

Thank you, Baptiste.

Hello, Dad. How are you?

It's hard to grasp, something so cruel.

I hope you don't mind. I asked Baptiste to come with me.

Dad?

The first thing that comes to mind,

that occupies me, obsesses me, is my father's silence.

I know he loved me.

He rarely expressed it, very little.

But his silence was full of words he didn't say.

Sometimes I didn't understand that this silence was also full of love.

And now that you are silent,

I hear the words of love.

Have something to eat. There's plenty inside.

Look how handsome my father was. -What a handsome guy.

And there, too, when he was little, with his pony, just like me.

Or if it was that time, no idea. -Do you want a bite to eat?

Thank you. -You shouldn't do that. Give it here.

Thank you, that's sweet of you.

We never spoke to each other.

I saw your first exhibition, it was very beautiful.

I'd like to see how you've developed since then.

Do you remember that? -Of course.

There's a room for Baptiste.

Will you show him? -Of course.

Are you okay? -Yeah, and you?

I'm happy for him.

It's the best thing that could have happened to him.

Are you always like this?

How exactly?

I don't know.

What I immediately liked about you as a model are your curves.

You can barely see them.

If you want, I'll lend you some.

Your father can have some.

Why?

Is he bothering you?

I just said that.

Hurry up, then. -Kiss, we'll get him.

Here, go quickly. See you soon.

See you soon.

When are you coming back?

I'm taking the train back with Clara tomorrow.

Are you in love, Dad?

I think so.

You think so?

What about you? Are you in love?

You mean with Baptiste?

Why? Is there someone else? -I don't know.

You don't know. Why don't you know?

I'm in love with his image, that's always the case.

What do you mean?

Men don't always match their image.

And him? Does he?

I don't know, I told you.

When you're in love, you say 'I don't know'. -Really? Or is it the opposite?

Yeah, it's the opposite.

Elsa likes you, but she prefers 'Lozano'.

My mother told me she once fell for an actor...

in a police series who was super dominant.

Then she saw him in real life on the train.

Did she talk to him?

She realized it wasn't about him, but his character.

What can I do?

Do you like violets?

Flowers are nice, but not violets.

Very stylish.

What will it be called? -No idea.

Man, woman, it doesn't matter, right? -I need to think about it.

Here we are.

Hello, Baptiste. -Hello.

Thanks, by the way.

Hello...

An attractive color combination. Classic, yet sensitive.

The way the material is set is remarkable.

It's beautiful.

Do you want to see more?

I didn't know you had this side, but it's a success.

It's a bit cubist, but it also has something...

very natural, very gentle.

I'll be right back.

Excuse me.

Hello, Gabriel?

Friday?

Have you noticed my daughter often asks my opinion about men?

Take advantage of that.

Lozano is a good journalist, but he's an ass.

I can't do that. -Do it.

Maybe I should actually...

Maybe I should just stop.

I can't keep lying to Elsa. -My book isn't finished yet.

To be honest, I haven't even started.

What have you been doing then? -I've been living.

Living.

It's extraordinary.

Opening on the 19th, a month-long exhibition.

May I show the evolution of your work?

Fantastic. -Okay.

When can I come to your studio for a first selection?

Monday?

Monday, good. In the morning, for example?

Sorry, excuse me.

Is everything okay?

Do you want to come with me to a concert on Friday?

Friday won't work. I have to finish something. I'm busy now, I'll call you back later.

Kiss. -Bye.

Pardon.

Yes, but then... -I'll turn it off.

Dad, pocket dial. -A what?

You're on your cell phone. You're calling me.

What's happening?

It's me, honey.

Clara is very enthusiastic about working with you.

Elsa, can you hear me?

Can someone explain this to me?

Listen, honey, I'll explain everything. Baptiste...

Sorry I dragged you into this. -I'm sorry. I messed up.

Don't worry, she's mostly mad at me.

She'll never forgive me for this deceit. -Give her time. She's smart.

I've called her a million times. -She won't do anything.

It's too early. She'll come around.

Because of you, she started painting again and is going to exhibit.

I was a voice crying in the wilderness.

You knew how to find the words.

I would have liked to see it. -That's going to happen.

You have to come to the opening.

You are going to the opening.

You'll arrive relaxed and smiling. Don't overdo it.

Calm, above all. -Very calm.

Calm down, it will be fine.

Good evening...

Picasso said: I am a woman. Every artist is a woman.

Elsa's work connects with our time.

She shows that gender is only a social, even cultural construct.

But the gender issue is not new.

What I want is to strip the man...

It'll be nothing. Dead. -What is left?

What do we see of him then?

May I borrow him for a moment? -Of course.

I'm sorry. -Quiet.

One more.

Thank you.

This is probably not a pleasant situation for you.

I want to thank you. We were orbiting each other like two planets.

Without you, we wouldn't have found each other again.

And your husband? -Gus understands we had no future.

It's brave of you to have come. -To my darling.

Excuse me.

Elsa asked Lozano to reveal everything.

She shouldn't do that. -Put it in perspective. It'll be fine.

And your reputation? -My editor will be happy.

A juicy story like that sells.

People love scandals. -And your friends?

They'll survive. Just like Elsa.

This might even clarify things faster than all her therapy sessions.

Did you deny anything? -What do you want to deny?

Everything will be completely true.

I'm retiring to Normandy, if you need shelter.

PIERRE CHOZENE THE DECEPTION

What is this?

Hello, sir. -Good day.

It's me.

Open up. -I'm not here.

I'll get angry if you don't open up.

Stay there.

Come on, you're ruining my day.

I'm coming.

Hello. -What's this? I called you a ton of times.

I turn my phone off for journalists. -And you're complaining?

You're a huge hit, it's super cool.

The internet is blowing up because of you. -A fraud's hype.

You dreamed of glory. We all did for you.

Don't back away from it. Get off that couch.

Come on.

Good evening, Baptiste Mendy. -Hello.

Good evening. -We welcome the best impersonator...

of his generation, because besides political leaders, you also imitate rappers:

Bouba, Aurel San, and the great...

French singers: Aznavour, Johnny, Bashung. Your range is incredible.

Thank you, that's nice to hear.

Is this your first time on TV? -Yes, I'm quite...

Impressed? -It's great to be here.

Modest, but it's amazing everyone believed you were 'Chozène'.

I was lucky to meet him.

I'm here thanks to him. -But it was a huge gamble.

It's the price of his freedom. -Let's hear a bit from your show...

and then we'll continue with this strange story.

You just smoked one.

Say something.

Hello?

No, you're not interrupting.

I can't make it tomorrow night.

I'm having dinner with Emmanuel. It'll be difficult after that too.

I'm working on the foreword for the latest translation of 'Marqués'.

Suppose they want to film it.

They want my opinion on the translation for that.

Great, Saturday is perfect. See you Saturday.

Félix is inviting us for dinner on Saturday night.

Awesome.

He's quite a catch.

Did you two hook up?

Are you kidding me?

Okay, I know enough.

That you hooked up.

Shut up. -Hello?

DICKHEAD, IT'S NO FUN WITHOUT YOU. ARE YOU FREE SATURDAY?

A worthless translation...

Hello? -I need to talk to you.

Where do you live?

What's wrong? -Not over the phone.

Hello.

I was about to make coffee. Want some?

I was cleaning out my father's house.

Take a look.

What did he say the last time you spoke to him?

This.

I didn't dare to say it.

What would you have done if you were me?

I would have done the same thing.

My grandfather hurt my father badly.

I adored him, but he was dangerous.

Shall we get a drink?

Gabriel never understood my paintings.

He wasn't even interested.

He doesn't care who I really am.

He only thinks about himself.

Are you still mad at me?

Until death.

I'm truly sorry.

That's a good thing.

Thanks to you, I get to exhibit in Berlin. I leave tomorrow.

Ah, that's wonderful.

I invited someone.

Hello, Elsa. -Hi, Gus.

So it's you.

I know who you are.

So this guy stole my wife.

Not really.

Deep down, it almost comforts me.

Your father couldn't do it himself.

You're a genius. You don't just have talent, you have guts.

Do you want to perform at my theater?

A month to start, but probably longer.

You have to think about yourself.

Thank you.

You guys came.

Well done.

I'm happy for you. Congratulations.

Are you still mad at me? -Not so much, you'd say.

I'll miss you, M. 'Chozène'. -Still not calling me Pierre?

You know more about me than anyone. I'd like to stay friends.

And I enjoy talking to you. -My pleasure.

Well, enjoy it.

Success is fleeting. We're leaving.

Goodbye...

Hey, Bapt, are you coming?

Shall we tear this place up? -Yeah, let's do it.

To Bapt. And to the theater.

CRICKET ANT

Cicada. The cicada. -That's good.

Aren't you drinking? -I don't drink.

Fries. -I'm on a diet.

'The Fall'.

That's a tough one. -He's gonna say Fincher.

See, I know him, my Bapt.

Redhead? -Yeah, well done...

That's great...

Translation: slootje