Original subtitles

FOURBI A FILM BY ALAIN TANNER

Downloaded from YTS.BZ

Picture digitally restored from a 4k scan of the 35mm interpositive

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.BZ

from the blow-up of the original 16mm negative.

Titration elements from the third generation internegative.

Image calibration was supervised by Denis Jutzeler, the movie's director

of photography, from a vintage copy at the Cinématheque Suisse.

Sound digitized from the original 35mm magnetic tape.

All tanner's original elements from 1975-2014 have been preserved.

You talk a lot of bullshit, don't you?

Me?

What did I say? Nothing.

It's all in your book.

You read it? No, you haven't. You've got some nerve, you know.

-You haven't read it and yet you... -Max told me.

Max reads everything. He was here this morning.

Ah, Max! And what did Max have to say?

He said you think life has no meaning and more crap like that.

All right, listen up.

You were born one day. You didn't ask to be born, right?

So, you were born one day. And then, poof! You die.

Are you telling me you think that makes sense?

The only meaning of life is that it's life.

Incredible, isn't it?

It's just life. That's it.

Try to look beyond that and you'll get a holy war.

-What about the rest? -What was that?

-I didn't say anything. -Yes, you did.

-I said: "What about the rest?" -What about the rest?

The rest of what you said! The world being a mess, and all that.

That's exactly it. You see, everybody wants to understand

what's impossible to understand, and yet nobody understands

what should be understood.

So, you like pretty shoes?

Yeah.

All the better to kick your fat ass with.

Right, got it.

The girl's already signed.

-What was her name again? -Rosemonde.

Oh, yes! The rose of the world.

Funny name. It makes a good title. We can go ahead with the movie.

-I need a budget first. -That's the producer's job.

Of course. But to get a budget, you need a script.

We don't have the details to prepare a budget.

We have to act fast if we want to stay on schedule.

Yeah. We'll be the first to produce a show.

We wanted this private station. We can't screw it up.

I have a screenwriter. A young novelist.

-That's good. We need fresh meat. -Absolutely.

He sounds perfect for the job.

Well, a novelist doesn't necessarily make a good screenwriter.

Don't worry, I'll take care of it.

All we know so far about this girl is that she killed a guy.

If we want our stories to be realistic,

she'll have to tell the truth.

Which ones do you want?

The red ones, the blue ones, the silver ones and...

No, they don't fit.

I can fetch you a smaller size?

Yeah, or I can just try on the black ones.

Ah, those fit pretty well!

1,080 francs, please.

Thank you very much.

Do you have anything smaller?

No, I've only got the big bills. I'm loaded, you see.

Right. Let me see what I can do.

Please do.

You've got to be kidding me!

-It's true! -No, you're messing with me.

Fine, if you don't believe me, I'll be quiet.

So, it's real? Shit... How does it work, then?

You sign up at the post office with your address and a photo.

You never see a soul.

You don't know who the guy is. You're the bunny.

-No way! Shit. -Yes.

The hunter gets your photo and not your address, of course,

but the area, so he knows where to look for you.

Together with the photo,

he gets a gun and these plastic pellets filled with red paint.

He has to find you and shoot you.

The mark on your clothes is proof you got caught.

-Come on, that can't be real. -It is!

-These guys must be stupid. -Oh, shit!

And you get paid to do it?

Of course. I'm not going to mess about for nothing!

What about the other guy? Does he have to pay?

Yes. He pays to play the hunter.

Shit, I don't believe it. Is he looking for you now?

I don't know, maybe.

Well, a stray bullet better not come my way!

Oh, my God. What idiots! It can't be real.

I call bullshit on your story. Shall I start calling you "Bunny"?

Hey, watch it!

So, how was Barcelona?

Oh, it was awesome. It was one party after another.

Rosemonde frittered all her money away. Unbelievable.

Nothing there even opens before 2AM. Imagine the fiestas!

Sure, I'll bet you were visiting the museums all day,

so you didn't get much sleep.

Yeah, all the museums... And the churches.

Especially the churches.

Rosemonde must have loved that.

Listen, I don't do U-turns. We have to keep moving forward.

It's never a good sign when things start to slow down.

The girl? Yeah, I gave her the 10,000 francs.

We've got her. She just needs to spill the beans.

Yes, I'm meeting the screenwriter tomorrow.

Don't be too hasty. We haven't got the funding yet.

So, easy does it, OK?

Don't worry about it. Doggy Bag's taken the bait.

But we have to really go for it! We're doing this! Bye.

Careful now... If you listened to them, you wouldn't get anywhere.

Oh, yeah?

Well, yeah!

The plane, Barcelona, the hotel, the TV...

Oh, yeah?

Stop doing that! I've paid off all our overdue rent.

-All three months? -Yes, sir, all three months.

But you're paying it next month.

-So, you spent all of it? -Well...

Not all of it.

It's not your money. And you were in Barcelona too, weren't you?

I bet you bought some new shoes.

That's none of your damn business.

Our wardrobe's bursting with shoes. Just let me laugh about it.

Go ahead.

-Hey, where are our beers? -Coming.

Were you there when we packed the Principal's car

full of snow?

No, I wasn't. But I heard about it.

That's right. You were a pretty quiet kid.

The snow was filthy, it was disgusting. But great fun.

God, high school was so boring.

I never got bored. I liked studying.

Really?

So, what are you up to these days? What do you do?

I'm in communications. The company's called Communication 2K. Heard of it?

No, I haven't.

So, you're in communications.

What do you want with me?

Well, Paul, I want you to write a movie script.

So, you're in the movie industry, too?

Not exactly.

Let's say it's a great opportunity, and I'm pulling all the strings.

Have you heard about the new TV station?

Oh, sure I have!

It opens in six months. That's not far off, and they need content.

So, they need money, sponsors, producers.

Ideas, too. And scriptwriters. We're in charge of setting everything up,

making sure everything's ready. See where I'm going with this?

-More or less. -Good.

We're planning a TV series and we want to make the pilot ASAP.

-That's where you come in. -What kind of series?

We've been skimming the newspapers for miscellaneous news items,

for true crime stories, and then contacting the people involved.

They sell us their story, they get a solid contract...

These are crime stories, of course.

It has to have some drama in it, otherwise it's not TV material.

Listen, we have a story. Now we just need a screenwriter.

-You're our first choice. -Me?

Yes, you. I thought of you immediately.

We're buddies, aren't we?

I assume you don't earn a fortune with your novels.

We've signed the first contract. You'll go visit the girl...

-It's a girl? -Her name is Rosemonde.

Rosemonde. Pretty name.

Odd, isn't it? Get her to tell you her life story

because it's essential that we stick to the truth.

Otherwise the series loses credibility. Got it?

Isn't that a bit like those so-called reality TV shows?

No, it's fiction based on the truth.

Then it'll be turned into a movie, with actors.

Otherwise we wouldn't need a screenwriter.

-Don't you think it's a bit shady? -Why?

Not at all. We just want the truth.

Granted, it's not always fun. But that's what people want.

And what happened to this Rosemonde?

She killed a guy.

Murder? Now it's getting interesting.

The guy tried to rape her. She fought back. Somehow she got her hands

on a pair of scissors, which she rammed into his carotid artery.

She said it was an accident, that it was all in self-defense.

Since there were no witnesses, the charges were dropped.

I'm not sure I'm the right guy for the job.

It can't have been easy for her. Why bring it all back to the surface?

She wants to do it. She signed the contract herself.

We even gave her an advance.

-Hello. -Hello, sir.

Do you recognize this man?

No.

Why?

No reason. He's a friend who lives around here. I lost his address.

Never seen him before in my life. What'll it be?

-A saveloy. -I only sell them in pairs.

OK, I'll take two, then.

Three francs, please.

Can I write whatever I feel like writing?

What do you mean?

Well, I'm not a scribe. If you want someone to write down her story

word for word, why not hire a journalist?

If you want to do an investigation, hire a cop.

-A cop? -Yes.

Don't be ridiculous. It's a screenwriter I want, not a cop.

I mean, based on the facts she gives me,

do I have the artistic licence to give the story... A certain angle?

I guess so. What do you mean by a certain angle?

-A worldview. -Your conscience?

No, my perspective.

Perspective, worldview, what do I care?

However you do it, you're telling a story that's based on reality.

And the reality right now

is that I'm writing you a check for 10,000 francs.

As an advance. We'll swing by the office now.

You'll see, this series is going to be a huge hit.

It's the station launch! You'll be famous.

It'll make a nice change from what you normally do.

As they say, money makes the world go round.

Well, if that's the case, put your money where your mouth is.

That's it. 10,000 francs isn't a bad deal, right?

-And who's paying for it? -What?

Where's the money coming from? Not you.

-A sponsor. -Who?

-Doggy Bag. -Who?

Doggy Bag! It's a huge dog food company.

-Kevin, the world is perfect. -Absolutely.

Let's keep working on the form, just on the verse, so as

to fully understand the Alexandrine.

Of course, then there's the issue of the characters.

We'll look at that afterwards.

First of all, let's concentrate on the Alexandrine.

Carry on, Philaminte.

"Yon delight me, Sir, by this generous action,

"and I will reward your love.

"Yes, I grant Henriette to the eager affection..."

"No, mother. I have altered my mind.

"Forgive me if now I resist your will."

Good, that flows quite nicely.

Make sure you bear in mind what we discussed earlier.

Always stick to the structure of the Alexandrine. Binary, ternary.

Divide the verse into sections, whether by six and six

or into twos and fours

or into threes, and so on and so forth.

It's the meaning that makes the Alexandrine so rich.

Not the character, but the meaning. Let's continue.

"What! Do you refuse me happiness?

"When I see all surrender to my love..."

"I know how little you possess, Clitandre,

"and I always desired you for a husband

"when, by satisfying my most ardent wishes,

"I saw that our marriage would improve your fortune.

"But in the face of our opposing fates,

"I love you far too much

"to burden you with our adversity."

"With you any destiny would be happiness,

"without you, misery."

Good. All right, before we continue, I want you

to think about life.

Life. The Alexandrine is life. Human beings have a certain way

of dividing up cosmic time. Into 12, for example.

The number 12, as in an Alexandrine, represents an important value.

12 months in a year, divided into three months, six months....

Or you could take 24 hours,

that's two Alexandrines together: 12 and 12.

An entire day is made up

of two Alexandrines, a distich. The distich gives it meaning.

That's what really tells the story.

Bear that in mind as well. Wonderful stuff. Carry on, Marie.

"Love in its ardour generally speaks thus.

"Let us avoid the torture of vexatious recriminations.

"Nothing irritates such a bond more than the wretched wants of life.

"After a time, we accuse each other of all the sorrows

"that follow such an engagement."

Were you rehearsing "The Learned Women"?

No, it was just a workshop, not a rehearsal.

Do you have any work?

No. And I'm fed up with all these workshops.

It's like being back at school.

It's almost worse than having nothing to do.

So, why are we here, exactly?

Ah, well, we are indeed the faithful servants of our art.

You can say that again.

Sometimes I tell myself that, in all honesty.

Otherwise life is just a black hole. You should try it.

Try what?

Well, telling yourself:

"I am a faithful servant..." No, a maid...

Wait, what do you prefer? Servant or maid?

Does it really matter?

Servant, chambermaid, lady-in-waiting...

It's all the same.

Maybe that's how I'll end up. As somebody's maid.

Doing household chores.

I could do yours. Is your place still a mess?

Yes, an even worse one now.

Anyway, I'd better get going.

Hello?

You'll have to tell him everything. No, it's not like the police.

It's totally different. He's a real nice guy, you'll see.

And he's your age.

Who was that?

-Who was on the phone? -Kevin.

Kevin? Who's that?

-An American? -No, the guy from the movie.

What did he want?

They're starting work on it. A writer's coming to see me.

For the screenplay.

The screenplay! Rubbing shoulders with Americans and writers,

you're sure to become a TV star!

Ah, is somebody a little jealous?

They're all a bunch of wise guys.

Well, to each their own. At least there's money in it.

-Yeah, yeah... -Yeah, yeah!

-Yeah, yeah, yeah... -Yeah, yeah!

Yes, sir!

How long is this going to take?

It's up to you. It depends how much time you can spare me.

I only help out here sometimes, mainly on weekends.

Why did you accept their offer?

Well, I guess...

A TV show makes a nice change from the bar.

But what do I have to tell you?

-Everything. -What do you mean, everything?

About your life.

Your childhood, your family,

where you're from, what you did after school,

everything up until what happened to you.

It was six years ago. I don't want to hear about it anymore.

-Really? -Just make something up!

At worst, I can check the court transcripts.

See what you told the judge.

I hate having to talk about it.

Well, then you shouldn't have agreed to do this.

I needed the money.

It's a really well-paid gig.

-Are you also in it for the money? -No, not necessarily.

I thought it would be interesting to listen to your story

and to make something out of it.

-What's interesting about my life? -Everyone's life is interesting.

You think? Wait until I tell you about mine. It's boring as hell.

So, how are we doing this?

We'll have to find somewhere else. I want to record it.

-We could go to my place, it's quiet. -No, not your place.

Why not? I'm not the big bad wolf.

No, but I'd prefer to do it at my place.

As you wish. How about Saturday?

All right.

Hello? No.

I can't work next weekend.

Because I can't.

-Where were we? -What?

Well, we've talked about the dog,

but haven't made much progress otherwise.

In fact, we've not made any progress at all.

Don't you remember anything about your childhood?

No, not really.

Where did you live?

In a town, in the countryside?

In a hole.

But we moved around a lot.

My dad was a businessman, so he was always traveling.

What kind of businessman?

No idea.

A trade of some sort. Business!

Once, he took us to Paris with him.

The whole family? I know you said there were a lot of you.

No, just me.

Those were the good old days.

He definitely wouldn't have taken my brothers.

Don't you see your brothers anymore?

No.

Do they live here?

I don't know.

You know...

I could be doing so much more than this.

But something always goes wrong.

There's always something in the way. I never manage to make it.

What did you want to be?

A hairdresser. But I couldn't finish my apprenticeship.

School, apprenticeship... People always got on my nerves.

There was always some asshole...

A teacher, a boss, a bitch.

So, school and studying wasn't really your thing?

No, but I could've done it. I'm not stupid.

But studying is expensive. My dad didn't have any money.

Really? But you said he was a businessman.

Yeah, but he was never at home.

There was one other thing I was really good at.

Singing.

Really? You sing?

When I was a kid, at school, the music teacher noticed me.

He gave me private lessons, free of charge,

because he thought I was talented.

I even released a forty-five.

-A record? -Yeah.

I met some guys in a rock band and we put out a song together.

I could've been a rock star.

But it didn't work out?

No.

The band split up, and we moved away...

Then I became a waitress.

Tell me.

How am I meant to get home?

-What? -How do I get home from there?

They'll take you to Basel, then you can take the train.

The train?

Yeah, well, you're not going to walk, are you?

Hold on a second. There are five cars to transport.

That means five round trips, Basel to Geneva.

-And I hate the train. -Just look out at the countryside.

Sure. I'll look out at the countryside.

Either you take the job or we'll find someone else to do it.

Fine.

Where exactly do I go?

It's all written on the note. Where is it?

-No idea. In one of my pockets. -Look for it!

Here it is, I've got it!

Don't crumple it up, look after it.

Cross the border at different places each time.

Go to the address, leave the car, come back home.

Come back home, and then leave again.

Then you take the next car and come back on the train.

What the hell do the Germans want with these cars, anyway?

They're not for the Germans, they're going to Eastern Europe.

-They need them for business. -Oh, right!

You're in the business?

You are too now. So, keep your mouth shut and don't screw this up.

Anyway, isn't it better to send the cars somewhere they're needed?

Yeah, but this one's a complete hunk of junk!

They'll fix it in a jiffy and it'll run again.

-In the tundra! -Sure.

It'll run another 500,000 kilometers in the tundra!

Let me get to Basel in it first!

There's another thing I really like doing...

How do I put this?

How can I say it...

Dreaming.

Yes, I like dreaming.

How did you guess?

By looking at you.

How about we talk about the time of the incident?

Did you know the guy?

No.

But I've already told you, I'm not saying anything.

It's all in the past. I don't want to talk about it.

Even when they found me not guilty, that wasn't the end of it.

They put me in institutions, sent me to shrinks... Enough is enough!

Fine, but how am I supposed to write my screenplay?

We both signed a contract, got our advances.

I can't do anything without you. I have to give the tapes

to Kevin's lawyer to make sure everything's above board.

And those tapes need to contain the truth about Rosemonde,

the material to write a damn good story.

Let's try to talk some more about your family.

-Your father, for example. -My father?

You really want to know?

He was a traveling salesman. He sold liquor.

That made an alcoholic out of him.

When he drank, he hit my mother. Makes sense, right?

Of course his daughter's a fuck-up!

There! Happy now? Is that interesting enough for your movie?

Listen, I understand that all of this is painful for you

and that you don't feel like talking about it,

But let's start over.

It all starts with why I'm here.

I could be somewhere else doing something else.

I thought that, together, we could try to uncover some kind of clue

as to what's happening today, to take stock.

To take stock?

Yeah, of the shit we're wading through,

all of us, in this godforsaken world.

Anyway...

We could try again another day, if you like.

I don't know.

But yes, maybe we could try.

There was one other thing I was really good at.

Singing.

Really? You sing?

When I was a kid, at school, the music teacher noticed me.

He gave me private lessons, free of charge,

because he thought I was talented.

I even released a forty-five.

-A record? -Yeah.

Yes.

I met some guys in a rock band and we put out a song together.

I could've been a rock star.

But it didn't work out?

No.

The band...

...Split up...

She's spinning me a yarn.

That little bitch!

How strange, someone wanting to tell everyone their life story.

Well, that's what sells.

But that's not all. It's like a kind of public confession.

They do it in some religions. It's back in fashion.

-TV is the religion of today. -It's better than most priests.

-Not much better. -Still, a little.

You don't look well, you know. Are you sure you're eating enough?

You work too much.

Yes, I work too much, I go to bed too late, I drink too much,

I sleep with too many girls.

I wouldn't have wanted a writer for a husband.

Your mother was only interested in working class guys.

40 years of good, loyal service and a nice salary to sweeten the deal.

-Then retirement. -I've never had any complaints.

These days, we writers are the Lumpenproletariat.

Except that this time, I'll earn some money.

So, how's it going? Any progress?

Well, no, not really.

She's a difficult one to pin down.

Besides, I'm wondering

if she's realized

what this movie being made would mean for her.

Yeah, all right.

I'm doing what I can,

but at the moment I feel as though she's taking me for a ride.

Wait, wait. Let's get this straight.

I don't have time for artistic differences.

We've signed contracts. There's a lot at stake here.

Listen, I'm in your neighborhood. I'll swing by.

-But she doesn't want to! -She doesn't want to?

She's signed and taken her advance.

If she doesn't want to, she'll have to pay it back.

We're not at that stage yet. You've got to get her to talk.

I'm not a cop.

Do you realize how many people's time and money has been invested in this?

We can't back out now.

I couldn't care less.

Really? You seemed happy to take your check.

-We're all involved. -"We"!

I'm sick of all these God damn assholes.

I'm sick of all this bullshit.

Stop being a pain in the world's ass.

I know we're at the turn of the century, but still!

Dude, chill out! Who do you think you are?

Listen, we're buddies. Let's not get mad at one other.

You can't let me down now.

-Try buttering her up a bit. -OK, I'll try.

But I'm only doing this for you.

Do you like people?

Do I like people?

What, like humankind in general?

Yeah, whatever, just people.

Yeah, I guess.

But I have to admit that I'd rather see some of them dead.

There are days when I don't like people.

Today, for example.

Right. Today, I wouldn't go outside for a second. For that exact reason.

What about me?

You're OK.

When you feel like that, what do you like instead?

-Fourbi. -Fourbi?

The dog.

But sometimes he's a pain in the ass, too.

He needs constant attention.

And when Fourbi annoys you, what's left after that?

I don't know.

Food.

I'm hungry.

You don't happen to have any beer, do you?

Yes, I know what I like.

Fucking.

Oh, that's a great topic.

I assume you had a few flings before you met your boyfriend.

-So now you want to make a porno? -Not at all.

It's just another part of your life.

So, we can talk about it.

Well, I'm the same as anyone else.

You date a guy, it works out, then it doesn't, then it does again.

And is it working out now?

With Pierrot?

Things are fine. But if Pierrot ever finds out

that I talked to you about him, he'd strangle me.

But we can talk about anything.

No, that's not true. There are certain things you can't talk about.

I'm allowed to have my secrets.

Of course.

But if everything's a secret, there's not much I can do.

Just make something up. Surely that's way more fun.

No one will ever know.

OK. In that case, I could just write a novel

and I'll make you a horrible character, a vampire.

Are you a real writer, Paul?

Sure, I guess.

I mean, I am a writer.

You don't look like one.

What's a writer supposed to look like?

I don't know.

A bit older than you, probably.

With glasses.

I've never been able to read a book.

Have you ever tried?

Not since I left school.

It takes too long, I get bored. I prefer doing nothing.

I'm always bored.

But at the same time, I'm never bored.

It's other people who think I'm bored. Do you know what I mean?

I think so.

-You're here again? -Yeah.

Every time I get home, you're here. I come home to my girl

and she's always here with another guy, chatting away.

It's starting to get on my nerves.

Look, we're just working, Rosemonde and I. At least, we're trying to.

Maybe you should ask him to pay the rent.

There's no need for that.

And there's no need for you to be in my apartment, sniffing around.

I think you'll find that's Fourbi.

-I'm just here to listen. -Leave the dog out of this.

At least he doesn't stick his nose in other people's shit.

-What's that supposed to mean? -I think you know.

You're forcing Rosemonde to talk.

You're a stranger. Why should she tell you anything?

I've never pried into her life.

Well, she needs to talk to me first, since she's agreed

to tell her story to thousands of viewers.

-You're disgusting. -It's really not a big deal.

There's a lot of money in this for me.

As soon as he gets what he wants, you'll never see him again.

-You're giving me a lesson in morals? -That's exactly what I'm doing.

I think it's revolting.

You shouldn't sell out to these assholes.

-Hello. -Hello, sir.

Do you know this guy?

It's a friend who lives around here, I've lost his address.

Never seen him before.

But the people over there might know. Go and ask them.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

Do you know this man? He's a friend of mine. I've lost his address.

Yeah, that's the guy who's always out walking his black dog.

-Yeah, and he limps a little. -He must live close by.

Thank you.

Yes, I just parked in Mont-Blanc.

I can't hear you. It's a bad line.

Where are you?

Where?

What? No, I'm at the airport. I'm going to Rotterdam.

60 tons of meat have disappeared...

What? Yes, three containers, 20 tons apiece.

What's that supposed to mean?

Oh, the meat! They steal it... Thieves everywhere.

No idea who. Probably the Russian mafia.

What? I can't hear you.

No news on my end.

I said, I haven't heard from the producer. I can't find him.

So, how's it going? Any headway?

What's he up to?

What did you say? The screenwriter? Problems with the girl?

I can't hear you...

I'll call you when I'm back.

If it's not the mafia, it's the screenwriter...

Fuck 'em all!

You went about it all wrong. You need to meet her at her level.

No, you don't get it. It's not a question of levels.

In fact, I'd even go so far as to say that we get along pretty well.

You didn't fuck her, did you? That would ruin everything.

-No, none of that. -This is just ridiculous.

If you want, I can write your script.

I know enough about her to make it up.

No.

It'll be our little secret. No one will ever find out.

I'll keep her character as real as possible.

Impossible. That's not the aim of the series. It's the total opposite.

Well, maybe there's another solution.

There is no other solution. Get her to talk.

Damn it, I'm late. Come on.

Wait. You don't even know what I was going to suggest.

I have a friend, an actress.

She could sound her out, pretend she's playing her part

so she has to get to know her.

Then what?

She tells me everything she finds out and then I write the real story.

Well, maybe that could work.

She could even play the part in the movie.

She's the same age Rosemonde was at the time.

We'll see. Maybe it'll work better with a girl.

-So, I'll give it a try? -Well, the way things are going...

-Hi! -Ah, hello.

This is Marie, the actress I was telling you about.

-Has Paul explained the situation? -Yes, more or less.

And you think you can do it?

I don't know. In any case, I can try.

Well, it's a pretty important mission.

You're our last hope. There's a lot at stake here. Have you got time?

All the time in the world.

The thing is, we've got to act fast.

We're already behind schedule. Thanks to Paul.

He couldn't squeeze the secrets out of the rose of the world.

-Coffee? -Sure.

Two cups of coffee, please.

I have an idea. A good idea.

You see, I'm a businessman. Business is all about deals.

So, I'm making you an offer.

If you can make her talk, I'll give you the part.

-The part? In the movie? -Yes, the starring role.

-To me? -Yes, to you.

On the one condition that she tells you everything.

Well... I don't know.

I'll also give you a check for 10,000 francs, if you're game.

I'll have to think about it. Give me a little time.

-OK. You have 30 seconds. -That's not very long.

No, but it's long enough. There's no time to lose.

They call me "Mr. 30 Seconds".

I'm designing all the teasers for the new station.

It's 30 seconds for everything, even 30-second news items.

What are teasers?

Commercials for the shows, like previews.

All those little clips that flash up in between breaks.

Now, don't forget...

I'll only give you the part if you manage to make her talk.

You can do it. You seem smarter than her.

All right, I'm going back into my cave.

-Be nice to Marie. -I'm always nice.

Sure you are. I'll be back in an hour.

-Where are you going? -I have an errand to run.

-I'll leave you to it. Work hard. -We'll do what we can.

I'm counting on it!

Do you really want to play my part?

We aren't anything alike.

That doesn't matter. We don't need to be alike.

Well, I just can't see this working.

I'm younger than you, but I'm the same age you were at the time.

That doesn't matter. We're just too different.

Recently I saw a film on TV about Marilyn Monroe.

The actress who played her looked exactly like her.

Obviously, Marilyn Monroe was a huge star. Everyone knows her.

They weren't going to cast a tall brunette. But no one knows you.

Whatever. It won't work.

Are you an actress?

Yeah.

Well, I've taken a few courses.

It's hard to find work.

Is it true you have to sleep with a lot of people to be an actress?

Marylin Monroe slept with the President of the United States.

-And the President's brother. -Both of them? Wow.

She was in love.

With both of them? I don't believe that.

Get laid by the President, then you'll be a star.

Yes, that's for sure. But first you and I have work to do.

I've already worked with Paul. I'm not going over it all again.

I have to get to know you if I'm going to play your part.

I don't know, we could go out, go for a drink, go for a walk...

Go for a walk? I've got better things to do!

So, is that girl going to be over all the time now?

Yes.

And your little writer friend, will he still be sniffing around?

You're so jealous. You've always been that way. A real green-eyed monster.

Besides, you have absolutely no shame.

Don't you think I saw you looking her up and down?

-You can't help yourself. -She's not bad-looking, that's all.

So, how's the theatre going? "The Learned Women"?

Does the fact that we're learned bother you?

-Let's see how learned you are. -Go on, then.

Take this empty bottle, for example. Let's say it's full.

It costs three francs here. And since you're so learned,

tell me what that price consists of.

Typical. He wants to give us a lesson in economics.

Why not? That's all we have left. Not even politics.

Soon there won't be any culture or nature either, just economics.

So, you should start showing some interest in it. I'm waiting...

Well, there's the factory where it's made, then salaries for the workers,

the secretaries, the executives...

-The liquid inside the bottle. -Yeah, and the company's profits.

-They make quite a lot. -See? And the shareholders.

Advertising costs, distribution to the bars.

The truck driver, packaging for the bottles.

-The bar's rent, their turnover. -The waitress.

All right, that's not bad at all.

But if I add all that up, it only comes to 2 francs, 80 cents.

-There's 20 cents missing. -Oh, you did the calculations?

-Are you joking? -Not at all.

-Where are the 20 cents? -You won't find them.

I guess you're not that learned. There's 20 cents missing.

Well, then, Mr. Wise Guy, please explain it to us.

It's very simple.

Economics experts make a distinction

between legitimate and wrongful profits.

-That's where the 20 cents are. -Wrongful profit?

-Yes, profit that isn't due. -And therefore illegitimate.

So, they just pocket it, and suffer no consequences?

Of course. But they can't just pocket it.

Because their pockets are already full, there's no more room.

-Too much stolen money. -Stolen? From where?

10 cents from the supply chain. and 10 cents from the consumer.

-20 cents. -And what do they do with it?

They buy all sorts of things. Influence, for example.

-Influence? -What kind of influence?

Sponsorships.

This, for example, buys the Olympic Games.

-But that isn't influence. -That's all it is.

It's all over TV.

It shapes our ideas, our minds, trends, behaviors.

They have influence over the world. These thieves have a louder voice

than you not-so-learned women. They run the show.

-Does your TV show have a sponsor? -Obviously.

-Who is it? -Doggy Bag. A dog food manufacturer.

That's incredible.

Every time a dog takes a shit, that's a line in my script paid for.

It's going to take a while, then.

Well, it means one more line for Marie every time.

Well, at least you two aren't neck deep in it!

Stop it, Paul. I finally get a chance to earn some money and you ruin it.

You're not funny. You're the one who got me caught up in this mess.

You always have to be the smartest, don't you?

Well, I'm not a fan of your cynicism. It's too easy, shit!

-Marie, it was just a joke! -Well, it wasn't funny.

And yet, and yet...

I'll leave you to your dog shit.

Fuck, that's Marie. I forgot she was coming.

Well, keep forgetting.

So, how's it going with Marie?

I don't know.

We haven't spent much time together.

We were supposed to meet yesterday, but she didn't show.

I can't do this weekend. I'm working until closing time, tomorrow too.

Plus, she's too young. A little girl. She doesn't look like me at all.

We're from different walks of life. Silver spoon, you know.

Maybe, but you can't let me down now!

We all need the cash, especially you.

I know, but I'm fed up talking about this story.

-I don't want to do it anymore. -Let's get it over with, then.

You tell her everything. I'll write my script.

-You're still in on this? -I've taken more of a back seat.

You should go back to writing books. This is stupid.

No, not at all.

You'll see. I'll put you in one of my novels one of these days.

Really? No, you're messing with me.

I have to go.

Paul! I'll see you again, won't I?

All right, I'm coming!

-Oh, it's you. -Yes, we said 9 AM.

Come in.

Sit in the kitchen, I'll be right there.

"Yes I think he made them a bit firmer

"sucking them like that so long he made me thirsty titties he calls them

"I had to laugh yes this one anyhow stiff the nipple gets

"for the least thing I'll get him to keep that up I'll take those eggs

"beaten up with marsala fatten them out for him what are all those veins

"and things curious the way it's made...

Are you OK?

"When he said I could pose for a picture naked

"to some rich fellow in Holles street

"when he lost the job in Helys and I was selling the clothes

"and strumming in the coffee palace would I be like that bath

"with my hair down yes only she's younger or I'm a little like

"that dirty bitch in that Spanish photo..."

"That disgusting Cameron highlander behind the meat market

"or that other wretch with the red head behind the tree..."

-What the hell are you talking about? -I'm learning a text.

"Where the statue of the fish used to be when I was passing pretending

"he was pissing standing out for me to see it...

"Near the Harcourt street station just to try some fellow or other

"trying to catch my eye as if it was one of the 7 wonders of the world."

What on earth is that? A bit filthy, isn't it?

No, it's Joyce.

-What? -James Joyce, an Irish writer.

Let me take a look.

Yeah, that's filth.

You're learning that?

-Yes. -By heart?

Yes!

All of that?

-Impossible. -No.

All right, what do we do now?

Nothing.

-What do you mean, nothing? -I'm doing nothing.

I'll sit quietly in a corner and observe.

-Observe what? -You.

Pretend I'm not here. In fact, I'm not here. There's nobody here.

Seriously?

Well, if it that's what floats your boat.

-This isn't working. -What? Nobody's here.

Yes, you're here! It's not the same as nobody being here.

I know you're here. That changes everything.

I can't do whatever I want when I know you're here.

This is a stupid idea.

What would you do if you were alone?

I don't know, I just can't bear being stared at like that.

Like a monkey in a zoo. I can't stand it.

-I can't even eat any more. -Oh, well, if you can't eat...

-Do I eat too much? -Well, you put away quite a lot.

Yeah, I know. Come on, let's go out.

I think Pierrot likes you.

Really? Things never go well for me with guys.

It's not easy to find someone that things just work with.

Maybe one in a hundred.

-How do you find a hundred guys? -That's a lot of work.

Kevin invited me out to dinner. What do you think of him?

He's not a bad-looking guy.

But he's a ladies' man.

I know his type. Sleep with him once, you'll never hear from him again.

What about you and Paul?

We're just friends now. Well, we try to be. But it's hard for him.

What's hard?

Earning a living from his writing. He has to eat, after all.

Yeah, well, people like you two always find a solution.

What do you mean, people like us?

I don't know.

You're not like me.

-You have a nice life. -As if!

Yes, it must be nice actress, not exhausting like waitressing.

Well, that's not the case. Want to switch places?

What? Me, in the theater? I could never learn all those lines.

Go on, let me work at the bar for a day,

and you'll do an exercise we do at the theater.

You're insane!

What kind of theater exercise?

You leave the house for an entire day. You go anywhere you like,

catch the bus, visit the countryside.

You go to the supermarket, walk around town, eat on your own.

-Then you describe what you saw. -That's the exercise?

To go for a walk? That's not difficult.

Yes, but you have to be observant,

capture everything in detail so you can recount everything that happened.

-Who do I recount it to? -Me.

It's much harder than you might think.

All right. And you'll go and work in the bar, until closing time.

Let me tell you, you've drawn the short straw.

God damn it, where is this asshole so I can shoot him?

-Hi. -Hey.

I had a wonderful day. It's a good exercise.

They know what they're doing in the theater. Great idea!

You think so?

Yes, because...

Normally, when you go to work or go grocery shopping,

or when you just hang around, you don't see anything.

Well, you see people and things, but it doesn't register.

Exactly, that's the purpose of the exercise.

To see things, to feel things, and then describe it.

But I saw so many things, it'll be hard to describe them all...

Well, where did you go?

I went to the countryside. I took the bus and I went for a walk.

I picked some flowers, but I don't know what kind.

I haven't picked flowers since...

When I was a kid, my mom and I used to pick broom together.

The countryside is beautiful.

I never visit anymore. Pierrot and I only ever go to bars.

Did you also walk around town?

Yes, but I don't know...

There were points where I was really pissed off.

Normally you don't notice the cars. Suddenly, I found them disgusting,

totally revolting!

-Where are your keys? -I lost them.

Well, I lost my jacket. My keys were in the pocket.

How come you lost it?

No idea. I was at the bar. Someone must have taken it.

I'm almost sure I was robbed.

And I have to leave again tomorrow. It's bullshit!

I'm going to take a shower.

-Hi, Marie. -Hi, Pierrot.

How's the movie going?

Be careful, you could catch a cold, my little bunny.

Oh, come off it!

What about the people? You must've seen people in town.

Well, that's more complicated.

What I find is that...

Some days I only meet idiots.

Well, not today. I don't know. I said to myself...

Well, sure there are some nice people out there, and I don't just mean

good-looking guys or girls. Although the girls I saw today...

Anyway, today I found people to be pretty likeable.

It's true that life can be pretty shitty.

You go to work, you bore yourself to death.

You come home, cook something from frozen and watch TV.

And it's written all over their faces.

You wonder: "How does my face look?"

Surely no better.

You know, someone once said about people:

"They're all as good as me, but I'm as good as all of them."

Yeah.

That's exactly what I think.

-Who said that? -Jean-Paul Sartre.

-Who's that? -A writer, a philosopher.

He may have gotten there before me, but I think exactly like him.

Maybe I should be a philosopher, too!

Good. Listen. I suggest we start with act one, scene one.

Marie, this is what I'd suggest. Henriette is sewing her trousseau.

She's embroidering.

She plays with the thread and makes a wedding ring out of it.

And she marvels at it.

Really, marriage is marvelous, extraordinary, you'll soon learn.

And after observing her from afar, you pounce upon her.

Because, of course, we have Clitandre's story behind it!

Let's give it a try. Improvise your movements,

so we can see how you react.

What! Sister, you will give up

the sweet and enchanting title of maiden?

You can entertain thoughts of marrying?

This vulgar wish can enter your head?

Yes, sister.

Ah! Who can bear that "yes", hear it without feelings of disgust?

Hang on, pause. When you cross over behind her, don't look at her.

Stay in profile. Turn away from her.

She's saying horrible things to you.

She's talking about sex and things like that, you don't like it.

Don't look at her. Really turn away from her. Let's try it.

This vulgar wish can enter your head?

Yes, sister.

Ah! Who can bear that "yes", hear it without feelings of disgust?

What is there in marriage which can oblige you, sister, to...

-Oh, my God! Fie! -What?

Fie, I tell you.

Can you not conceive what offence the very mention

of such a word presents to the imagination?

What a repulsive image it offers to the thoughts?

Do you not shudder before it?

And can you bring yourself to accept

all the consequences which this word implies?

When I consider all the consequences this word implies,

I only have offered to my thoughts a husband, children and a home.

I see nothing in all this to defile the imagination

or to make one shudder.

Is this Pierrot's usual spot?

More or less. I think he likes the place. I don't come here too often.

It's more of a boy's club.

Hello there.

-Here's the most handsome one. -Is this a friend of yours?

No, she's Laurel, I'm Hardy.

Who's that?

Haven't you heard of Laurel and Hardy?

No, I don't give a damn about those broads.

Miss, I am your humble servant.

OK, get out of here. Go sit somewhere else.

I'm talking to her, not you. And I'm being polite.

Miss, I'm a true gentleman.

-She's jealous. -Will you lay off? You stink.

-Be nice. Where are your manners? -Will you go away? Leave us alone!

-Move. We want some space! -All right.

If that's what you get for trying to be nice...

Charming little spot, isn't it?

Now it's your turn to switch places with me.

If that's what you want, no problem. Whenever you like.

Saturday.

I'll pretend I'm sick and say I have someone to cover for me.

It's not a fun job, you'll see.

We've been conducting opinion polls The series concept is being revamped.

It'll be interactive.

What do you mean, it'll be interactive?

-You've got a dog now? -No, it's a friend's.

How did we get here? Can you tell me?

-Get where? -Here, where we are now.

Oh, so you mean...

The state of things, the world, this whole mess?

A mess... That's what Fourbi means.

Fourbi's a dog of his time.

Now, I asked you a question. How did we get here?

A writer should know the answer, shouldn't he?

So should you!

Well, I know at least one thing.

Our thoughts are like electrical currents running through cables

which are plugged in. Just like on a control panel with all the holes.

And without us noticing, the cables were unplugged...

And then plugged back into different holes. Clever, right?

Who's unplugging the cables?

Whoever wants to. You've seen enough to know that.

-That's not an answer. -Think about it.

I'm no electrician. I was more into machinery.

Well, surely you've heard about the communimation induways

and the infornication autostries.

What are you on about? What's infornication?

You've got a dirty mind!

Sorry, my cables are plugged in all wrong. I mixed them up.

I meant communication industries

and information highways. They're the ones unplugging the cables

and replugging them in different holes.

Our holes are under their control.

Right. And you work for them. You've sold your soul to the devil.

That's right.

He's the only one with the money these days.

Don't you have a dog? You look like a dog owner.

No, I haven't got a dog. Rosemonde has a dog.

-What kind of dog? -Fourbi? He's a big mongrel.

-Is he intelligent? -Sure he is. All dogs are.

Can we have him for the movie?

Yeah, but he's expensive. I'm his agent!

Besides, he won't take any old offer.

All he'd need to do is eat a bowl of Doggy Bag.

He'd have to taste it first. Dogs are picky like that.

Yeah, he doesn't eat just anything.

Doggy Bag is made of reject hamburger pieces that can't be sold

to third-rate fast food joints in Minnesota.

I'll get them to send you some samples!

Take out pet insurance, just in case he bites the dust!

I'd better go. I have to be up early, although I'm probably the only one.

You three will be in bed until lunchtime.

Marie, do you want me to take you home? Do you have a ride?

-No, I don't. -Do you live far?

-Pretty far. -Come on, I'll take you home.

-We can talk business. -Business?

-Is Pierrot here? -No, he's traveling.

Stop it! You drank too much. Don't be an asshole.

Bye, Paul.

Bye.

-Well? -Well, what?

How's it going? With Rosemonde. Does she talk to you?

Well... Yes, I think we'll get there eventually.

We're starting to be friends.

I like her a lot.

What about her, does she like you?

I don't know. I think so.

Next Saturday I'm covering for her at the bar.

-Isn't that proof of her trust in me? -Yeah, of course.

But try to ask her about the thing with the scissors.

-The scissors? -Yes, when she killed that guy.

-Right. We'll see, OK? -Sure.

We'll see. But it has to be soon,

because right now I'm having to write two different endings.

Why two endings?

Kevin was triumphant when he told me.

They want interactive TV.

People have to participate. We are a democracy, after all.

When the movie's being shown, in the studio, the audience is like a jury

and 10 minutes before the end they stop the movie.

Then people vote: guilty, or not guilty.

Then we air the ending they vote for.

-I didn't know that! Surely not. -And yet here we are.

Listen...

The quicker we finish with this story, the better.

You've got to get Rosemonde talking.

Being best friends is cute and all, but I need something concrete.

Facts, material.

Since the jury will be deciding the verdict,

we need to know exactly what happened.

We need the details. Did he really rape her, and how?

From the front, the back, did he threaten her, beat her?

How did he get it up? How big was he? Where'd she get the scissors?

And I'm meant to get her to tell me all of that?

That's what you're being paid for.

Aren't you?

-Hi, Pierrot! -Hey.

Bye, Pierrot!

What's wrong with Pierrot? He looks stressed out.

I don't know.

You never know with him, you know.

Apparently someone's trailing him.

You know, we haven't gotten very far, the two of us.

Far?

How far do you want to go?

I don't know.

Why don't you show me how it happened exactly with that guy?

Wait, I have an idea.

Here: the murder weapon.

Put those scissors away right now.

And never do that again! Do you understand?

-I just wanted... -Do you understand?

Do you understand? Never, ever do that again!

Do you ever think about it?

About what?

About what happened. The guy. Who was he?

Some poor asshole.

-It must have really messed you up. -I don't know.

At the time, sure.

But then you forget.

He was asking for it. It wasn't your fault.

People die all the time. All over the place, every day.

And then you forget.

You don't know the violence you're capable of.

Get off me! What the hell are you doing?

-I want you. -Yeah, but not here.

You live here?

Say, your place is really nice.

Kevin wants two endings to your story.

That's the new rule of the game.

The viewers are the ones deciding whether you're guilty or not.

-You're kidding. -No, I'm being serious.

It's none of their business!

They've already made people concierges and cops, why not judges?

You know, that's exactly how the justice system works.

In court I told myself that everything depended on them.

I looked at the faces of the jury. It was weird.

I wondered what they were thinking. Guilty, not guilty...

In any case, only I knew the truth. That hasn't changed.

-Was it Kevin that came up with this? -I don't know. Him or someone else.

He doesn't waste a second. Not with Marie, either.

Don't make that face. What's wrong with you?

Nothing, I'm fine. I'm going to cry, but it's fine.

-We can't have sex. -Why not?

Because.

We can do other stuff, if you want, but we're not making love.

-Yeah? What's the difference? -It's a big difference.

So, we'll suffer instead?

No, I won't make you suffer.

-I'll take care of you, and you me. -By "take care of", you mean...

Well, yeah.

-Excuse me! -Yes, I'm coming!

Come on, get a move on!

Excuse me, waitress!

Hands off!

-There are two too many. -Oh, seriously?

That table over there. Don't forget the check!

Come on, the beers are going flat.

What are you waiting for?

-Let's take the stairs. -There are no stairs. Now, go!

You're right, it's going to be a little slower than usual.

Jean Rochefort and Philippe Caroit put their foot in it.

Tonight at 9 on your favorite channel.

What've you been feeding him? He won't stop shitting.

The dog food we got sent, some freebie or something.

It's called Doggy Bag.

I wanted to try it out.

You can throw that crap in the trash.

Poor Fourbi, now I have to look after him.

Are you ready, François? Marie? Let's get started.

"It is about the marriage which my mother has set her heart upon

"that I wish, Sir, to speak privately to you;

"and I thought that, seeing how our home is disturbed by it,

"I should be able to make you listen to reason.

"You are aware that with me you will receive

"a considerable dowry...

"But money, which we see so many people esteem,

"has no charms worthy of a philosopher.

"Contempt for wealth and earthly grandeur

"should not show itself in your words only".

"Therefore it is not that which charms me in you;

"but your dazzling beauty, your sweet and piercing eyes,

"your grace and your noble air are the wealth, the riches

"which have won for you my vows and love.

"It is of those treasures only that I am enamored."

"I thank you for your generous love.

"I ought to feel grateful and respond to it.

"I regret, sir, that I cannot.

"I esteem you as much as one can esteem another,

"but in me I find an obstacle to loving you."

But how does it work?

It's not that complicated.

-What are they called again? -Alexandrines.

Alexandrines.

Do they always rhyme?

Yes, of course. Each line of verse has to have 12 syllables.

12 syllables?

Yes, 12 syllables.

Listen to this.

"Therefore it is not that which charms me in you,

"but your dazzling beauty, your sweet and piercing eyes.

"Your grace, your noble airs are the wealth, the riches

"which have already won for you my vows and love.

"Of those treasures only am I enamored."

Then there are the rhymes.

Desire and fire,

Worth and earth, treasure and forever.

But that doesn't match up.

No, but Henriette's next line makes up for it.

"I thank you for your generous love!"

Wow, damn.

-Do you have the book? -Yes, in my bag.

Here it is.

Act five, scene one.

Oh, my goodness. The way they talk!

It would take me a year just to read one page of this.

-You're Henriette? -Yes.

But before you recited Trissotin's speech.

Learning my part means I also learn his.

On top of yours? I don't believe it.

And the guy's name is Trissotin?

-Trissotin! What on earth? -My lover's name is Clitandre.

That's more of a girl's name: Clitandre, Clit...

Stop it!

"I thank you for your generous love;

"I ought to feel grateful and to respond to it.

"I regret, sir, that I cannot.

"I esteem you as much as one can esteem another,

"but in me I find an obstacle to loving you."

It sounds like a song, right? It's like music.

Listen, it's like rap.

I have one lover and I don't need two.

I love Clitandre, there's nothing I can do.

I know that he will never be half the man you are in life,

but nonetheless I love him so I cannot be your wife!

If people could fall in love by choice, I'm sure

You would be the one I opted for

But, as it is, I feel your wisest move

Would be to find some other girl to love.

I thank you for your generous love. I regret, sir, that I cannot respond.

I esteem you as much as one can esteem another

but in me I find an obstacle to loving you.

I have one lover and I don't need two.

I love Clitandre, there's nothing I can do.

This is getting ridiculous now.

You got your advance but we still haven't seen anything.

Either you tell us everything, or you'll have my lawyer on the phone.

Shit...

You're leaving already? It's barely light out.

Yes, I'm leaving.

Oh, good morning to you, Captain.

Come on. Come on, I said.

Oh, you're no fun at all.

What are you doing here? It's 6 AM.

I was out partying all night. I couldn't afford a cab.

Pierrot isn't here. You can sleep with me.

Who's a good boy? You are!

-Any news from Paul? -You're hungry, aren't you?

Whenever Pierrot's away, I forget to feed you. I'm so mean.

You know, once you get used to it, the bar work isn't that bad.

Well, try doing it every day. Weren't you complaining about your feet?

Only because I wasn't wearing the right shoes.

Last night I pocketed at least 100 francs.

How?

I didn't ring up a few drinks. No one noticed.

-You did what? -It's no big deal.

You stupid bitch! Who's going to pay for it when you get found out?

I won't get found out!

I'm sure they already know. Shit, you are stupid.

Damn it. You idiot. He's going to fire me! Do you even care?

You don't understand anything. Just like with Kevin.

All he wants is some ass.

You'll never get your part in the movie.

That's enough, all right? You really are gross.

You're the one who doesn't care. You can't even sell your own story.

I sell what I want to whoever I want, got it?

What do you know about life? You know nothing.

We were supposed to stick to the deadlines for the pilot.

We're two months behind schedule because of all this bullshit.

Movies are not like canned goods.

They would be, if you were real professionals.

You put meat in tins in supermarkets.

People buy them, dogs eat them.

They shit all over the place, and the cycle starts again.

Not us. A work of art is made by humans, not dogs.

So? You sign a contract, you fulfil it. That's all.

I've already paid way too much in advances.

Yes, you have to be prepared to invest.

The thing about movies is that they don't always work out.

Well, this one isn't working out at all.

-I'm out. -No... Wait!

I'm out. I've waited long enough. I want my money back.

That's not possible. We've already used those funds.

Talk with Communication 2000. They signed the contracts.

You don't give a damn, do you?

No, but... So what?

And then?

You know, when we left the club, he took me home.

Yeah, but before doing that he took you back to his place.

Yes.

And then he fucked you. So predictable.

Yes, but I didn't really want to.

Yes, but he did it nonetheless.

I was drunk. We all were. I was all over the place.

He said: "Let's have one last drink at my place."

He must have known that I didn't want to.

When he kissed me, I pushed him away.

Men couldn't care less about that. It's not their problem.

He makes me sick.

Now he's threatening us. He wants his money back.

In any case, my movie role is down the drain.

This is bullshit. Total bullshit!

All right, time for my final trip.

I'm sick and tired of the German border.

What's the matter with her this time?

Something to do with money.

Oh, so then it's nothing serious.

Don't forget to look after Fourbi. Don't give him any crap to eat.

Don't forget to kiss me goodbye!

Don't worry. Everything's going to be all right.

Jacques?

-So, what's this about a job? -What job?

You told us to drop by to work something out.

Yes, of course. Let me lock up first. It's closing time.

Why are you locking the door?

Because you're staying here until you've paid everything back.

Paid what back?

Ask your friend! She's stolen at least 200 francs.

200 francs? I haven't stolen anything.

Maybe I didn't ring up a couple of drinks at the register.

-200 francs. -There's no way.

It's 200. We've checked.

Then learn to count better. It can't be more than 10.

Do you want me to call the cops?

Call them, then! Since we work here on the side, let's see what they say!

Yeah, especially with your prices!

-Are you trying to be smart? -Stop it! Leave her.

You're not leaving until I get my money!

Give us the damn key!

Give me back that key!

Bitch!

-How's work going? -I'm in a bit of a rut right now.

-Because of the girl? -Among other things, yes.

When you were in love, how did you know?

-Are you in love with her? -I don't know.

-That's what I'd like to know. -Is she pretty?

Yes, but she lives with this weird dude.

He could even be dangerous.

I can smell something roasting. Beef with carrots?

Enough for six people. When it's just the two of us,

your mother cooks for four. Now you're here, it's dinner for six.

So, your movies isn't going well because you're in love?

No. The girl just doesn't want to talk about it.

I'd do the same if I were her.

-Are you going to quit? -Yes, I think so.

But I've also gotten Marie involved.

Everything's going to the dogs.

-Are you still seeing Marie? -Well, obviously.

What a mess. No wonder it's all falling to pieces.

Got you, lover boy.

Shall we?

Why do you always wear high heels to go for a walk?

Get off my back.

I got you! I got you!

Shit! Shit, look at my jacket!

Who the hell does this asshole think he is?

This is a brand new jacket. I only bought it the other day!

What's wrong with you? You accepted the deal!

I don't care! Look at my jacket!

And what about my shoes, you jerk? They cost 300 francs!

-Stop it! -You signed up for this!

Look what he's done, look!

The money has to be paid back, buddy.

But you just told me you had too much money.

That's neither here nor there.

It's up to me to decide

whether we spend our entire budget by the end of the year.

I can find you something else if you like.

-Really? -Sure, that's my job.

Find something that works for a change. No movies, never again.

Find a guy trying to cross the Atlantic on foot.

-Someone's already swam it. -Like Jesus?

Yeah, that's right. At least people will talk about him.

People like freaks who go beyond human limits,

even if they kick the bucket because of it.

And your soccer sponsorship? Happy with it?

It's going fine. I hate soccer, but I'm told the team isn't too bad.

Are you a shirt sponsor?

I'm sure I can get you a shirt-shorts deal.

Shirt-shorts?

Yes. Your logo on the shirts and the shorts. Double Doggy Bag.

It'll be a little more expensive but you'll get to spend that money.

All right. Shirt-shorts. Go for it.

But the money for the movie...

We want it back.

That's tricky because it all went on advance payments. That money's gone.

Then sort it out, buddy. Business is business.

Hello!

I want to speak to you, not your machine, Paul.

Did you really want to play the role of a stupid cow?

-What stupid cow? -Me!

You're not a stupid cow.

But it's true, I didn't want to play your part.

You see, you don't want to play a stupid cow.

No, that's not it.

You deserve better than the role of Rosemonde.

I'll get it.

-Good morning. -Good morning.

-Are you Mr. Sauverny? -No, why?

We're looking for a Ms. Rosemonde Sauverny. Does she live here?

Yes, why?

She won't pay off her debts. I've come to assess the furniture.

-Foreclosure. -You're kidding?

-I assure you I'm not. -Get the hell out of here.

Excuse me, sir, but you're talking to a bailiff.

Get out of here, I said. Go on. Scram!

Asshole!

This won't be the last you see of me!

But why didn't you want to play my part?

Because I couldn't do it anymore. It was impossible.

How was I supposed to put myself in your shoes?

But that's exactly what you wanted.

I like you. I don't want to mess around with your life.

You wouldn't have.

They wouldn't have given you the part anyway.

They used you to worm the story out of me.

Even if they'd offered you the part, I wouldn't have let you take it.

Why not?

Because I think the whole thing is vile. I don't want that for you.

Again!

I nearly hit you. I thought you were the other guy.

-What other guy? -The bailiff.

He wanted to take the furniture away.

I told him where to go.

You're nuts. You'll get into trouble. They act fast.

Immediate foreclosure. They don't waste any time.

They won't loosen their grip now.

It's me who'll get into trouble, not you.

You shouldn't have hit him.

Well...

The best defense is to attack. Let's ask your little brother.

Julien? What's he got to do with it?

Her brother's a computer whiz. Isn't that right?

Yes. But what do you want with him?

-How old is he? -18.

He'll help us. And he'll have fun, I'm sure.

-We'll ask him for a favor. -What?

We'll get him to hack the Doggy Bag accounts.

Oh, yeah?

How's he going to do that?

I'm sure Doggy Bag is connected to some kind of network.

All it'll take is a little digging for Julien to find the codename.

I bet it's not that hard. Suddenly, you're in.

I have no idea where you're going with this.

What happens once he's into the accounts system?

That's when Rosemonde calls Doggy Bag.

Me? What am I supposed to say to them?

You pinch your nose to change your voice,

you quote a few specific figures...

Say we'll fuck everything up if they don't drop the charges against us.

Why me? Why do I have to be the one to call them?

-Well, who else? -Yeah, who else?

We're all in this mess because of you.

What?

I can't hear you.

What's going on? Everybody's on my case at the moment.

I could be fired if I don't get that money back.

What? Huh?

I said, forget it. OK, we lose 50,000 francs. So what?

I'm telling you now to drop it. Yes.

What?

I told you, drop the charges. We don't care anymore.

We don't give a damn. That's just business.

What was that? Huh?

I can't hear you.

Fuck it.

The guy hunts you down.

You sign up at the post office

with a photo and your address.

Hey, wait up!

Slow down a little!

Fourbi's the one setting the pace!

Don't forget that I'm pregnant.

What?

What are you talking about? Are you serious?

Yes, I'm serious. The rose of the world has a bun in the oven!

Are you keeping it?

Well, obviously.

Rebecca Schofield Subtitling: Hiventy