Original subtitles

This film is a work freely inspired by real events

that took place between 1983 and 1987.

The role attributed to the architect's wife, the private-life

situations, and the dialogues are fictional.

Subtitles by BuStEl, 2026 mastodon.social/@LumiereEnSousTitrons.

Mr. President of the Republic.

So, what do you think? - It’s very beautiful.

I’m glad the project pleases you.

Isn’t the building too tall?

Not at all, Mr. President. Congratulations, the choice is very bold.

Who is the architect, Mr. President?

You should ask Subilon to find out.

No, Mr. President, it is your duty

to announce to us the name of the winner.

- My glasses. - Yes.

In any case, I would like to congratulate the

members of the jury for their proposal.

Here you are, Mr. President.

Johann Otto von Spreckelsen.

Mr. Milon, can you tell us more about our winner?

So, his name is Johann Otto von Sprechelsen.

He was born in Denmark in 1929.

He submitted his project under his own name and not with an agency.

And that’s all I have here.

Call the winner so I can congratulate him.

I only have a postal address.

Call the Danish Embassy.

It's a small country, they’ll be able to help you.

The Danish Embassy… Ah!

Hello.

The Presidency of the Republic is trying to

contact one of your compatriots, who has been

selected to design the future CICOM, International.

Centre for Communication and Defence.

It concerns the architect Johann Otto von Spreckelsen.

Von, yes, Spreckelsen.

Good.

Alright.

Thank you.

Unbelievable, nobody knows this guy.

Sir?

Are you Johan Otto-Van Strakelsen?

I am Otto, yes!

You have won the competition for the design of the gateway.

So, Mr. President of the Republic, I would like to meet you.

What did he say?

We should quickly consider what comes next after this excellent news.

- He says you won. - Won what?

The competition in Paris.

- The Cube? - Yes.

Mr. Sprague-Lewson speaks French, so… you can question him.

Madam...

Very simple question. Who are you? - "Bonjour".

My name is Otto von Sprague-Lewson. I am Danish and I am 53 years old.

In Copenhagen, I teach architecture. I am passionate about architecture.

It interests me. And...

It is very inspiring to take part in a competition for a project located in Paris.

Excuse me, could you tell us about the origin of this idea?

Yes.

Because the idea was very clear. I submitted my project.

Paris has great monuments.

Such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Centre Pompidou.

These monuments do not look like Paris, but they symbolize this city.

I wanted to find a new form for Paris, and...

Paris does not have a cube.

Could we know a little more about the purpose of this international

communications center? For the moment, it is still quite unclear.

He asks what the building will be used for.

It will be a meeting place. - A meeting place for whom?

For humanity.

Sir, you told us you were 53 years old,

a respectable age, do you agree?

More seriously, let's agree that it is an age

not commonly associated with entering the spotlight, right?

Age is just a number.

What have you built in your career?

I have built my house and four churches.

Do you think they're going to pay for everything?

Of course.

Even the minibar?

Yes, otherwise we'll pay. That's no longer a problem.

Hello, Mr. Svrigelsen. I have an external call for you.

Who is it? - The President of the Republic’s office.

- Ah. - I’ll put them through.

- Hello, Mr. Shprekelsen. - Hello.

The President would like to validate an aspect of your project with you.

Which aspect?

The President called me this morning to remind me how strongly

he is attached to the perspective designed by yours truly.

You know, this axis that runs from the Louvre Palace and extends westward

passing through the Arc de Triomphe, it matters greatly to the President.

It is, after all, the historic royal axis.

And you are aware that your cube is placed on this historic royal axis.

Of course, that was the competition site.

The President does not want this perspective to be damaged.

No, no, no. It will not be damaged. You can reassure him.

What he means is that the President would like

to be able to represent things in a more complete way.

Could you be more clear?

The President has seen the model, hasn’t he?

Precisely, the President wants something else.

- Something else than the model. - Yes.

Very well.

I’ll take care of it. - Thank you, Mr. Schmeichelson.

You who come from the North, what is your view on our.

Catholic cathedrals and their splendour, often quite demonstrative?

I am sorry, Mr. President, but I am a bit overwhelmed.

You were right to choose my cube over a cathedral.

That was a question without any hidden agenda.

I still do sometimes ask a few of those.

When I am in friendly territory, probably.

I have learned that you have built several chapels.

Yes, I have built two Catholic chapels and two Protestant churches.

Where does this interest in places of worship come from?

I have a religious upbringing.

Me too, but I did not build four churches.

Until my marriage, I sang in a choir.

I often spent time in the churches of Shemsa.

Please excuse me.

It seems everything is ready, Mr. President.

Very well. Tell them we are coming.

Good.

Mr. President.

Do you have a pair of binoculars? - Of course.

- Here you are. - I will take the binoculars.

Of course.

Let's go this way directly. It will be more pleasant to walk.

You understand, I am solely responsible for the national perspective.

I must take all the precautions my responsibility requires.

But the cube is not tall. It will respect the overall balance.

You will see, in the simulation everything is very clear.

Here is the cube, Mr. President.

What you see is the upper part of the building.

I remind you that the cube will be open.

Very good.

And the perspective is respected.

It is really very good, but it is blue.

Yes, it is blue.

I would have preferred it to be pink.

Ah, when the sun sets, it will be pink.

- May I see it? - Yes, of course.

This evening, if you like.

I see things are getting hectic. See you tonight, Mr. Architect.

Calm down.

You cannot go out. - Nobody knows I am here.

It is the safest place there is for me.

We cannot start over like this.

But we did it this morning, we can do it tonight, no?

But we already had the greatest difficulty obtaining this street.

We will find another one.

No, there is no model this large in France.

Besides, it is a German street. - Ciboulon, the President wants to see it.

And in the meantime, SICOM is paying.

SICOM was created by the President, he is the client.

We must do what the client wants, right?

Mr. Tavelli, the crane operator.

Yes, Mr. Tavelli, please come in.

I am delighted to see you.

We were wondering if it would be possible

to repeat this wonderful experience this evening.

When the sun sets, please.

It’s complicated.

I have my niece's wedding, and I have to take the crane back to Marseille.

I understand, but we absolutely must repeat the test.

I can offer to increase your fee by 7,500 francs.

I am willing to help you, but the rate is 50,000.

50,000?

From tonight, we switch to weekend rates.

- He's asking for 50,000 francs? - Yes.

And as I said, it is my niece’s wedding.

- You’d better go. - Alright, fine.

No more discussion. Agreed. Your rate will be mine.

Thank you, Mr. Tadeli, for your availability.

Goodbye, ladies and gentlemen.

Very well.

It is pink.

I told you.

It is good. It is completely pink.

It is very, very good.

I have decided to inaugurate your cube for the

bicentenary celebrations of the Revolution.

On behalf of the French people, I congratulate you.

Thank you again, Mr. Architect.

It is an honour, Mr. President.

Come visit me whenever you like to give me news of the construction site.

Of course, Mr. President. Goodbye.

To demolish this mega-structure, and especially to test

a crane, the prefect asks me what we are doing.

Yes, we are finished.

Wonderful.

We are done.

It is very impressive.

We are building a new world, my friend. We must know how to celebrate it.

- The honours are yours. - No, no, I cannot.

I am too superstitious.

- I cannot. I am sorry. - Very well.

- I am sorry. - So, who will

be responsible for cutting this masterpiece?

So, sir, about your niece’s wedding.

There is no more wedding than butter on the backside.

What do you mean? - There was never a wedding.

And I don’t actually have a niece. - Nor a niece.

It was to raise the price.

You don’t teach an old monkey to pull faces.

So this time, we’re really going, right?

Have you had a chance to think about your design team?

Not yet, not yet.

Mr. President, we must be ready for the bicentennial

of the Revolution, which forces us to move very quickly.

I’ve prepared an initial list. Here it is.

These are trusted companies.

It’s a very beautiful car. - But it will be too late.

We are here in the first district of towers

built in Paris, along the banks of the Seine.

There were urban constraints, as well as technical ones,

and in particular the whole issue of utilities networks.

Saint-Ger main is the design firm that carried out the entire slab.

That’s correct.

We also built several towers. The most recent one is this one.

Construction started at the end of 1981, so we moved very quickly.

And this is the one we’re going to visit.

With pleasure.

Otto?

Otto, are you not feeling well?

Are they the ones who made the floor?

Well yes, it's them, they did the whole slab.

And this... What do you call this?

A snail. A snail?

No, no, no. This, this.

The joints. The joints?

The joints, is it them?

We can ask them to make sure, but yes, it must be them.

But aren’t the joints regular?

Well anyway, if that's the case, don’t forget that detail.

Subtle. That’s not a detail. Look. Look.

That.

There is grass between the joints and here.

Nothing. The spacing isn’t respected and that's very important.

- Overall. - Very important.

Overall, what we need are the slab joints.

Come visit the building.

Meet Mr. Saint-Ger main.

He's passionate about construction. In fact, your cube already fascinates him.

He’ll meet your expectations, it’s his job.

No.

I can’t.

You can’t what? - I can’t see anything else.

You’re talking to me, but I only see the sample.

Your contact is waiting. It's possible to shift things this afternoon.

- Otto... - Is it embarrassing?

Listen to me carefully.

This is very important.

This is the foundation of the building.

The foundation.

Very important.

Say that I felt unwell.

Say whatever you want.

There is an error. It says 25 instead of 2.5.

This is not a mistake. I asked for 25 million.

In fees?

They’re going to find that excessive, especially without an agency.

Anyone can have an agency.

You have a vision.

They’re going to take it as a provocation.

In my opinion.

There will be negotiations.

You know them, they love to talk.

We need a margin, and I prefer to negotiate from the top.

But 25 million francs, that’s madness.

Listen to me carefully.

The Cube is estimated at 1.3 billion francs.

Less than 10% is required.

That’s very reasonable.

Look.

You must not give up your rights.

What does that mean?

The copyright must belong to you.

If someone photographs the Cube, he owes you royalties.

But the Cube will be part of the urban landscape.

Yes.

But that doesn’t change the fact that it is an original work.

With copyright.

Why would it be any different from a sculptor or a visual artist?

- Is that legal? - There is a legal ambiguity.

Listen, you designed the Cube.

You created it.

It’s your work.

Why should you give up your copyright?

No one should ever have asked that.

Never.

No one has ever won such a competition before.

So, builder, where do you stand?

What did you think of Bergeron?

You saw him this morning, didn’t you?

My associate is not convinced.

He only talks about concrete techniques.

Yes, but keep in mind that he executes commissions.

Cubes require a very refined approach, and I don’t see that in his work.

Oh really? Still, we’ll have to agree on

a French contractor who meets your standards.

And who decides that?

In that case, I’m afraid it’s impossible.

Impossible.

Once again, it's a relationship to build with a partner.

Listen, our project must be very precise.

It’s like a fugue, but broader.

Monumental.

Yes, I understand the analogy, but… - No, no, no, wait.

A fugue is a subject, a response, and the repetition of the same motif.

That's exactly what we’re proposing with the cube.

We have the large cube and the small cube.

Subject and response.

Solid and void.

And you’re meeting GSC this afternoon. GSC is a very good engineering firm.

I want to go to Denmark to meet some contractors.

There are very competent people there.

Forgive me, but we need to find someone here.

The tender regulations clearly stated that the winning architect

committed to working with a French company.

Did you receive our contract proposal?

For now, my husband is working, they are satisfied,

but there is no real framework yet.

In the long term, this could become uncomfortable for both you and us.

- Louise? - Yes?

Where are we with Mr. Shprekelsen’s contract?

It’s here, ready for signature.

Good, bring it to me then, let's move forward.

The President of the Republic has given us a direction.

He wants us to inaugurate SICOM.

Thank you, Louise.

At the same time as the bicentennial.

Which forces us to move quickly.

So let’s move quickly and do it well.

In general, when I lose a competition, I’m a sore loser,

since I continue to think that my proposal was the best.

In the case of La Défense, I bowed when I discovered your design.

You convinced everyone.

I’m very happy to meet the man who convinced an entire profession.

That’s very kind.

Thank you.

I would like to see your glass tubes, please.

Of course. I just wanted to

show you this viewpoint that I really like,

and which helps to understand the logic of this

airport, which offers an innovative layout.

You see, we are both militant geometers—you

designed a cube, and I for my part imagined Roissy as a circle.

Yes, it's very beautiful. And I understand the principle of the circle.

But for my work, I would like to see your tubes downstairs.

Here is a sample tube, right here.

Some compare the terminal to a bicycle saddle.

Concrete is a magnificent material, but it is harsh,

massive, and these glass tubes bring lightness.

But it’s not only glass.

That's true. There is also aluminum in the structure.

But I want to create a structure that is made only of glass. Only.

Then explain to me the exact object of your research.

Well...

You know the main cube,

like this.

There is also the small cube just next to it, like this.

I want clouds to connect the elements.

And you would like to make those clouds out of glass?

I want to make them out of crystal.

Crystal.

I want them to float.

Then in that case, it could be fiberglass or canvas as well.

That’s the other possibility.

And how would you fix them, on pylons?

No, no.

I want the cloud to float.

Well, in that case, they need to be suspended.

And I want two types of clouds to create variation.

- Like this. - Yes, I understand.

In any case, you need an anchor point. May I?

So, it could perhaps be at the top.

You need a design and engineering office, and I have the

teams to handle the technical complexity of the project.

I cannot accept the idea that no French contractor would be capable

of meeting the requirements of your arch.

I am French.

I claim to be able to carry out its realization.

But you already have many projects, why do you want to do the cubes?

If I propose this collaboration, it is above all because

I believe, like you, that the arch is the appropriate answer.

Are you sure?

That is already a lot.

I am used to large construction sites, but it is

not common to encounter a project this powerful.

After you.

It is very beautiful.

All the proportions are correct.

Thank you.

I designed everything.

I supervised the manufacturing of every element,

the organ,

the beams, the handles, the altar,

I created everything.

In the same way, I designed the cube and

I want to be its lead architect until the very end.

But...

But I suppose that you... You do not want to be just a builder.

I am an architect.

I have, after all, designed several internationally significant airports.

Exactly.

Which statue do you want to have for the cube?

To tell the truth, I was considering a shared mastery

of works, one project, two architects.

Please excuse me,

but despite the admiration that I have for your work,

what you are proposing is impossible for me.

The Cube is my life's work.

It is the work of my life.

All my work, my research, my very life,

led me to this drawing.

I say this modestly. But if we collaborate,

There must be a hierarchy between us.

I understand.

The arch is an important work.

I propose to be your execution project manager.

That is to say?

There will indeed be two architects, but I will be your executor.

You design.

I work at your service for the operational realization of the arch.

I noticed that you say “arch” and not “cube”.

It is because your cube is open, but... I

can absolutely say “cube”, if you prefer.

It comes from me.

That I say “arch”?

Yes.

And that you are my project manager of realizations.

I would need to see your plans.

Here. It is very beautiful, but you have nothing else?

There is this as well.

I need the floor plans.

Since the competition, you have not drawn any plans?

I designated the balance between the big cubes and the small cubes.

As you know, I think a lot about clouds.

I am still searching for their form.

I also have this drawing that I like very much.

Here, the clouds are lower, but

tests must be done in situ, I think.

I propose to start with the general form.

The plan, the foundations, before considering the rest of the program.

And when the time comes, we will be able to make simulations

computer-based, in particular for the clouds.

Very well, as you wish, but, I work only by hand.

- I hate... - Computers.

Computers.

I am afraid that they will form thought, and as much as construction.

No, but the gesture, it is yours.

Truly, the devices will only serve for the implementation of

what you will have determined, do not worry.

Very well, but... I prefer work without computers.

Please.

The specificity of your cube is to be at the same time a building

with its exhibition rooms, its offices, and an engineering structure.

And it is a bridge that will have to span all these networks.

Now, if all bridges move, the offices, they, must be stable.

That is the technical challenge of the cube.

And to meet it, we will have to do a lot of

calculations in a very short time, because our deadlines are tight.

Without computing, it is unfeasible.

We must embrace modernity, resort to all resources

to calculate as precisely as possible the forces at work.

Therefore, I will compile your sketches, and we

will convert them into plans. Please.

My wife needs to fix something on the model.

Rest assured, I intervene only on the models.

The glass facades must be absolutely smooth.

Okay, but we'll never have a perfectly smooth surface.

We'll have to find a way.

There will always be discrepancies, It's inevitable.

In my church in Stavnsholt, The altar is monumental.

For each face, I created a plate 4m² of perfectly smooth surface,

from four separate samples.

Is your altar 4m²?

Per side, yes.

We need to fill two hectares vertically.

- I know, I drew it. - Of course.

If it's possible in a laboratory setting,

It's possible on a large scale.

That's the principle of experimentation.

It is up to us to find the solutions.

Let's not give up before it had even begun.

- It will be complicated. - Yes, but I like a challenge.

We are still looking for a solution for the glass.

Ideally, one piece.

Mr. Billon informed me that you are working with André.

Yes, but he only handles the construction.

We have created the title of execution project manager.

Yes, why not.

And what do you think of French architects?

I am not speaking of André, but in general.

Your external viewpoint interests me.

He works quite well, but...

I find him sometimes... inhibited.

That is quite right.

Moreover, I observe that he only manages to build outside of France.

We will also have to change this situation.

Please.

It is the perspective of the serviced people.

One must place oneself at street level.

Yes, that is it, but a bit lower.

You see better now, the perspective?

That's very good.

But you know, for your glass facades, I know who you should contact.

An architect?

Yes, but he is not French.

You should meet Pei.

He built a glass tower in Boston.

I saw it, not a pane that sticks out. It's striking.

We can absolutely organize a meeting?

Of course. You should have already done it.

I saw him yesterday, he is still in Paris today. Take advantage of it.

So it is possible.

Of course.

I did a lot of tests And there is only one solution,

It's glued glass. With silicone glue.

There is no fixing, nor any visible seam.

That's exactly what I want.

My builder told me that it's impossible.

- Who is it? - Paul Andrew.

I appreciate it, but I feel that he takes refuge behind technology.

We know each other very well. Tell him to call me.

I would be delighted to invite you to Boston see the tower.

It's going to be complicated.

For what?

Because Subilon wants to start the construction As soon as possible.

The Cube will be around for centuries.

But we need to start right away.

We have a Chinese saying.

- What does that mean? - If it's urgent, take your time.

That's very true.

Otherwise, what do you think? Of my Pyramid?

I think it will be great.

We know this glued glass technique very well.

I do not understand.

You did not tell me anything.

- Why? - It is indeed a conclusive technique.

You will not be able to use it for the cube?

Why? This technique is perfect for the cube.

Glued glass is not approved.

But the Americans have been using silicone glue for ten years.

He showed me photograph of the statues in Boston.

Yes, but this technique is not authorized in France.

- The CEP invalidated it. - The what?

The CEP, the Center for Studies and Prevention.

Moreover, its opinion has just been confirmed by the conclusion

of the CSTB, Scientific Center of Building Techniques.

It is Mr. The President who told me to speak with Pei.

Yes, but after, if Pei recommends a technique forbidden

by national regulation, the problem remains the same.

But is it possible to request a modification to this law?

No. The safety committees are independent.

How do you do to create a smooth facade?

How do you do to respect the client?

The client will never reproach you for respecting the legislation.

And you?

What are you saying?

There is nothing to say.

I had indicated to you that it was impossible

to have a perfectly smooth facade.

We are going to do the maximum to get close to it, but

we cannot bypass the safety commission.

The service is finished, sir. - I have an appointment with Mr. Leloup?

Yes, he is waiting for you at the back. - Thank you very much.

I have the chance to have an external view,

while knowing the neighborhood very well.

I know that you stumble on a certain number of problems.

I know that there are no details.

Especially in a project as radical as yours.

So I prefer to tell you bluntly.

As things go in two years, you will still be at the foundations.

I know this villain by heart.

He is a technocrat.

I do not know.

It is not a matter of personal real estate.

This falls under the subilant observation and the symptom of a typically French illness.

It is very paradoxical.

He wants to go fast, but he creates the blockage.

Because he is disconnected from realities.

His logic is bureaucratic.

And he does not know consumption well.

It would not be a problem if he did not claim

to do project ownership.

Andreux, on the other hand, is not a bad choice.

But to meet your deadlines, your project ownership lacks know-how.

It lacks perseverance.

- Mr Laloup... - Leloup.

Mr Leloup.

You wanted to meet me.

And on the phone, You told me about solutions.

They interest me more than the problems I already know about.

You have a problem with the glass glued on?

Yes, indeed.

News travels fast.

Today, it's glass.

The elevators, security access points.

Not to mention the marble.

No, the marble is too important. I identified some varieties in Tuscany.

Never mind. If you keep your current team,

you will be trapped in a power struggle

which will always be to your disadvantage,

whatever the subject.

So what?

What do you suggest?

With Subilon, you won't achieve anything.

Do I have a choice?

Of course.

You could argue a clash of personalities.

And I'll take care of the rest.

I have some financial proposals to make. And support among elected officials.

I built all the towers of the Ministry of Defence.

I want to do it the largest business district in Europe.

Larger than the City of London.

And your Cube It will be the cornerstone.

His manifesto.

If you entrust me with your project,

I will help you build your Cube

exactly as you imagined it.

Subilan is the man of houses.

I won't make you say it. He is his valet.

Mitterrand is my client, and I always respect my client.

And this assessment has Mitterrand's trust. So, he has my trust.

Allow me to finish, I have not finished my proposal.

I understood your proposal.

You want to take power, but your little

strategies and your little calculations, that does not interest me.

I am an architect. Good evening.

We developed a system of clamps for the passages.

Sorts of very discreet clips that will allow holding the glass.

It will work regardless of the supported material.

And for the interior, we received the first templates

that we can test on the frames to check everything.

When will we be able to do these tests?

Very soon, but it will be necessary to think about access for maintenance.

If there will not be any open frames?

I want the front window to be able to open.

I do not understand.

The front windows must open to provide ventilation.

- A ventilation? - Yes.

Ventilation.

Like Le Corbusier. Have you heard of this guy?

I suppose you've heard of him.

It is indeed you who drew the two sheets, the facade

exterior and the interior panes, to be attached to the concrete structure.

Yes. Indeed. That's what I want.

Can we have a little silence?

We are in a meeting.

Thank you.

It is indeed you who demanded a gap of 90 centimeters between the two walls.

Exactly.

To create breathing, an opening in the inside closed offices.

But it is impossible to open the interior windows.

And why?

Because it will be too hot.

That's wrong.

Paris is not Kuala Lumpur.

You have built too many airports. In the countries of the Global South.

It will be 70 degrees between the two walls in summer, and still, that is a low estimate.

All the calculations that we made from your drawings are formal.

If your computers have taken all the decisions are made for us.

My presence here is no longer required.

Stay so that we discuss the marble.

You insisted that it be on the agenda.

It is no longer on the agenda.

I'm in charge of the marble.

If they do it again, The damage will be irreversible.

I want you to go back and attend attend and monitor the meetings.

They are trying to confuse us.

- Do you want to go to Italy now? - Yes, might as well.

- Shall we go? - Yes.

I will attend the continuation of the meeting.

Alright.

Alexandra, can you make room for the architect's wife?

I'm looking for a marble which turns pink at sunset.

Then the one from Carrara is perfect.

The more nitrates a stone contains,

the more she reacts in warm colors.

Our Carrara marble it is naturally rich in it.

The more nitrates there are in the stone,

The more she reacts to warm colors.

This is the case with Carrara marble.

I didn't know it was due to nitrates.

I would like to cover this facade.

As well as the one on the other side.

What is the height here?

From here to there, it's 111 meters.

Like the pyramids of Giza.

And I also want to cover the floors.

It's going to be 1000 m², right?

1000 m² for each side, That's 2000 m².

- Plus the floors? - It'll be almost the same.

You would therefore need Between 3 and 4 hectares of marble?

Yes, absolutely.

It's a lot, I know.

That's 5000 tons of marble.

At a minimum.

Could you extract them?

Of course. We do it often.

Our quarry is immense.

I'll show you.

The marble for the Pietà comes from exactly from the quarry

that we visited this morning.

Michelangelo himself was held in the very spot where you were.

600 years earlier, Michelangelo was here.

The marble of his Pietà

comes from Carrara.

Specifically, from our quarry.

- From here? - Yes.

- You could have crossed paths. - Well...

We wish the Cube the same posterity as that of the Pietà.

Look.

From here you can see very well

that the summit of this mountain

in the form of Piety.

You can recognize the form of Piety.

Michelangelo was not such a great artist.

Everything was right there.

He didn't invent anything.

To Michelangelo.

Cubed.

Over to you.

We received this. I believe this is for you.

Thanks. It could have waited until tomorrow.

It was my pleasure to bring it to you.

Are you going to work?

No, I'm going to sleep. I'll look at it tomorrow.

Do you want to have one last drink? In honor of your marble?

That's very kind But I need rest.

- Good night. - Good night.

I'm sorry But I really need to sleep.

This is for you.

- In my opinion? - The telephone.

He's the man who sent you the fax.

So.

Yes?

- Did you receive the plans? - Yes.

Have you seen the time?

You can sign them and send them back to me by fax.

We must start production first thing tomorrow morning.

No, I am not signing anything.

Why? You had approved the sketches.

Because you changed the curvature of the pillars.

The curvature of the pillars?

You widened the base and that is not my drawing.

The pillars are buried, they will be underground.

No, I am not changing the shape of the pillars.

I don’t understand. No one will see them, your pillars?

God will see them.

Listen, my friend, sign the paper and let's finish with it because

it makes no sense or else it is an aesthete's whim.

I am not old and I will not sign, and today, I am the one who says no.

When are you coming back to Paris?

I don’t know. Finding beautiful marble is the most important thing.

Otto, get on a plane and don’t delay any longer.

Now, I am going to sleep, and tomorrow, I am returning by car.

By car? It will take you ages.

I don’t like airports.

Work and stop hassling me with your pillars, please.

This one is very beautiful.

It is a very important piece.

It has a sensuality that belongs only to Italy.

It is pink, isn’t it?

No, it is white like snow, but in the evening light, it will be pink.

- It is the nitrates. - It is very beautiful.

The veins are perfect.

It is the same stone as Michelangelo's Pietà.

I had noticed that.

I mean, they come from the same quarry.

Of course, I suspected it.

And the ships are tightly packed.

That is the beauty of this marble.

The other piece has fewer nitrates.

It comes from the brambles in Flanders.

Let’s take this one.

It is of great purity and it is exactly the shade we wanted.

From one quarry to another, the nuances are sometimes noticeable.

Very well. It is the best choice, I think.

President Wende and his wife are waiting for you.

Thank you.

If you allow me, Mr. President, I will give you a gift.

It is difficult to resist the charms of Italy. Don’t you think?

Now there, you are putting us in an untenable situation.

It is the President’s choice.

- And Subilon? - This marble is a marvel.

But it doesn’t work like that.

Public contracts normally require calls for tenders.

Your marble supplier charges three times more than his competitors. I do not know

what has been said, but he seems to have sensed a good deal.

You must ask the President.

Stop hiding behind the President.

It is too easy.

You are putting the balance of the entire project at risk by acting this way.

Excuse me.

I cannot work if you make so much noise, please.

Of course, sorry.

It is the architect who chooses the material. The discussion is closed.

No, I regret that the discussion is far from closed.

It will take three and a half hectares of marble.

Do you have any idea of the cost for you? - Listen to me.

The cube is glass and marble. You corrupted the glass.

No one touches my marble. No one. Okay?

We will have to find a compromise, not to mention adhesion problems.

What adhesion problem?

Your marble is too slippery to be laid as is on the screen.

You do agree that users must not slip, injure themselves?

It is marble, and excellent, and it is very easy to verify.

Yes, well, that's enough, we must stop watering. It is becoming dangerous.

Do you know the Olympic stadiums of Rome?

No, I don't think so.

Go there, you will see, all the paths are in

marble and no one slips there, even when it rains.

It may be that they treated the marble to make it more abrasive.

No, no, that is not it.

This marble does not need treatment.

Maybe Italian shoes are particularly effective.

Like yours.

- Come on, who starts? - I am willing to go.

Wait.

What is wrong with my shoes?

I am not criticizing them, Otto.

I only say that they perhaps have an uncommon grip. There.

Do you agree to lend me your shoes?

Give me your shoes and I will show you that this marble is not slippery.

Yes, but I doubt that we are the same size.

But I can ask one of my collaborators.

Vanderberghe?

You have the same size as me, you?

Yes, it shows.

What size do you wear? - 41.

Yes, well. And you, Forestier?

It depends on the shoes.

Are there shoes that you wear?

40.

Take them off.

Are you sure?

Mr. President,

- Mr. President, welcome. - Thank you.

Mr. President.

Support rods.

So, there are 12 in total, each of elliptical shape.

I designed the base so that the cube rests very naturally.

So, each elephant foot can support

up to three times the weight of the Eiffel Tower.

A little more.

30,000 tons per pile.

That was the load necessary to support the megastructure of the arch.

We are here in the future underground zone of the building.

These are the foundations.

I am sorry, Mr. President, but it is legendary.

Mr. President?

- I recognize our Carrara marble? - Exactly.

I asked that a few slabs be laid here.

It will take 34,000 slabs of marble of this nature to cover

the non-glazed parts of the building and the whole pavilion.

At the first shower, it will become an ice rink, Mr. President.

No, I do not think so.

- We must do the test. - Exactly.

We must do the test.

Mr. President, do you not believe me

that I go there before you a first time?

This bar is admirable.

And its shade will bring a new brilliance to the site.

Paris has no marble.

We are going to repair a historical anomaly.

Excellent news, is it not?

Yes, it is very beautiful marble, but... - And you, André, what do you think?

It is an excellent Carrara, but I continue to think that it must be treated.

Otherwise it will degrade very quickly. - No, I do not think so.

You know, air is too easy to ward off.

Atmospheric pollution will end up acting on the marble.

Technically, we will have no choice.

We always have the choice. That is the difference between you and me.

You prioritize technique over the artwork. For me, it's the opposite.

- It is perfect. - I agree.

But we ask ourselves a question.

The marble must be treated...

I do not think so.

It will only be to ensure its durability.

It is a matter of closing the pores of the stone

to protect it from external attacks.

The stone is the stone.

If you change its nature, it will no longer have, over

time, the evolution that we expect from it.

It must be understood that it is an art to withstand the affronts of time.

There are enough examples to consider that it has been demonstrated.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. - Mr. President.

Andreu is satisfied with your marble.

Subilon will agree to pay for it. That's the most important thing.

You can let them handle it.

No.

This marble is perfect. I don't want them to touch it.

You're putting too much emotion into this marble.

- No. - Yes.

No.

You are in love.

You're in love with your marble So you're overreacting.

I'm not overreacting.

And I am not in love with my marble.

I am in love with you.

- Thank you, sir. - Enjoy your meal.

Thank you.

Thank you.

My wife does not like that I eat pizza.

Coffee?

Yes, thank you.

Foundations are laid.

Major outlines are validated.

I am going to leave for some time.

At your convenience.

We have had conflicts between...

But I trust you to build my cube.

I thank you for your trust.

It is a reduction to one hundredth.

It is very good.

- Subilon on the phone. - Not now.

He has already called several times This morning.

Is it a working step?

It is a first proposal.

Do you allow that I draw on it?

If you wish.

The reduction respects the proportions of the cube.

Yes, I know.

Each line represents a floor.

The painting will be inside the cube.

No one will ever see my painting in its entirety.

No one.

But...

floor by floor, they will discover the entire painting.

I had not at all imagined things this way.

I had first believed in an exterior fresco.

Think of it like a musical score...

Think of it like a musical score.

We hear the notes one by one and we discover them gradually.

The mural will be a symphony of colors which cannot be grasped all at once

but in successive stages,

creating a perception, a gradual sensation.

I could call it "Symphony for a Cube"

- or "Symphonic Arc". - Excellent idea.

I am going to write a text in this sense to lay the foundations

theoretical of this concept and we could co-sign it.

Look at.

It's fabulous.

- Otto. - Yes?

You need to call him back.

We need concentration.

- It seems urgent. - Tell him I'm working on his Cube.

And we need to let the ideas...

I cannot be disturbed like this.

We have an appointment with Juppé now and he

has hinted that the SICOM would be available.

- Who is Juppé? - New minister of the budget.

And what does the president say? - He can no longer say anything.

He is no longer president? - Yes, but he no longer decides anything.

He must now compose with a nation of

nationals which has changed political color.

That is what is called cohabitation.

I do not understand.

Who summarizes it for him?

The president is left-wing, but now all his government is right-wing.

But let us be clear: the cube is neither of

right nor of left, it is for everyone.

The cube costs a lot, and the right only talks about budget cuts and austerity.

And the bicentenary of the French Revolution and the future

of humanity, is that our project? We have a contract.

They cannot stop the Sitcom?

What are they going to do with our cube?

Stay seated, I have very little time.

The President's cube.

For the lard of humanity, Mr. Minister.

If I believe the specialists, it is a very beautiful architecture project.

All my congratulations. - Thank you very much.

Mr. Minister, we learned that you were considering dissolving the SICOM.

It will be published in the official journal very soon.

The decree appeared this morning, so it will be published during the week.

If the SICOM is dissolved, to which project does the new

government now assign this building?

It is up to you to decide.

To you or to those who will buy it back?

Listen, the data is simple.

You have dug, well I mean the previous government

socialist, has dug an abyssal gap in record time.

We inherit a critical situation...

and we must urgently save 400 million francs.

The State cannot afford to carry all the ambitious projects.

Who will commit the next expenses of the construction site?

We have contracts that have been passed.

More than 150 workers, specialized technicians, daily on site.

I do not know.

But the State disengages.

It is up to you to find synergies.

Our will, from now on, is to favor private initiative.

And your building has enough assets to

put forward to attract investors.

And that is your mission, from now on.

Create the right financial assemblies.

Someone like Leloup could make an excellent buyer.

Leloup?

Him or another.

I just say that Leloup, it seemed that it was

the roof of your building that interested him.

It would suffice to open it, nothing very complicated.

Wait.

Do you want to open the roof?

I, I want nothing.

If not, stop paying for the work.

Mr. Minister, if we sell the roof to a company

private, it will want to put its name there in huge letters.

That means that by laying a wreath under the Arc de Triomphe, one will read “Lidl

” or “Pernod Ricard” in luminous letters. Is that what you want?

Forgive me, I do not quite understand your

objection. What do you have against the private sector?

No one can talk about the cube like that.

I completely agree.

You can talk about the cube like while walking on the carpet.

It is true, but he is the budget minister.

But...

I do not speak to ministers.

“Minister” comes from the words minus.

A minister is a servant, and I do not serve the servant.

Perhaps indeed.

But if we do not listen to them, they will

stop the construction purely and simply. - No.

I do not agree with that.

No one can stop the president's construction.

No one.

Otto, please.

Otto?

Mr. Sprickhalsen, the President will not return tonight.

I must speak with Mr. President. It is an emergency.

But the President is not there. - But I can wait for him.

He will not come.

You must leave the premises.

Where is he?

In Venezuela.

It is useless to wait for him.

I do not believe you.

Sir.

Sir.

Sir, we are closing the premises to visitors.

I am not a visitor.

I am an architect.

Can I call him?

What time is it there? - The president is not reachable.

I am sorry.

How did I do?

Do you want me to call you a car?

There is a line of taxis on rue Saint-Honoré.

How did I do for my cube?

What would you do in my place?

I thought you had abandoned me.

We are waiting for them to throw in the towel and they entrust us

the viability of the project knowing that the mission is impossible.

One cannot go from a public building to a

profitable real estate operation without adjustment.

But if we adjust intelligently, then

we can take them in their own trap.

What trap?

I wanted to see the President And I was told he wasn't there.

Do you think this is also a trap?

No.

Juppé is forcing us to sell.

But even if all the spaces are sold, We would be far from reaching 3.5 billion.

And he knows it.

That is why Subilon is so desperate. He quickly did his calculations.

André...

The Cube was not designed to be profitable.

That was never the idea.

But it can become so.

We need to build more offices.

Which offices? There were only the CICOM offices.

CICOM no longer exists.

But if we add 15 floors,

the spaces created will be able to finance the operation.

You want to touch the shape of the cube?

Paradoxically, it is by enlarging it that

we will manage to build your cube.

But no, it is impossible.

We must not modify the geometry of the Cube.

That would call into question the entire urban harmony of the project.

Do you consider that these dimensions are definitive?

But naturally, what a question! The Cube is a cube, Andreu.

If you change it, It is no longer a cube.

So, if we do not touch the main cube,

we must obtain it in place of the small cubes

which are around on the forecourt and replace them

with taller, denser buildings.

You want to remove the small cube?

To save the main cube, yes. Without hesitation.

By building four complexes that you would design,

We finance the big cube, the forecourt, the

gardens and the clouds: we save the essential.

But the President chose the project with the small cube.

The President unfortunately no longer has control.

With this new government, without square meters

that can be commercialized, the cube is in danger.

- You are entering urgency. - No.

I take them at their own game: they invoke

the principle of reality, and they are right.

Construction is pragmatism. So, let us adapt.

If we do not do it, the arch is dead.

You are disfiguring the project to make it your own.

- You're stealing my Cube. - No, I'm trying to save him...

That's wrong!

You want to damage it by all means.

A project is never set in stone, You know that.

It is evolving and we must move forward with it.

Your double-dealing is despicable. You are a thief.

You are taking my cube, but this cube is my idea.

The Cube is the work of my life!

Liv?

- They must be put on trial. - What time is it?

- We must attack them. - Who?

They want to disfigure the Cube. Andreu wanted to add 15 floors.

He's completely delusional.

It's 1 a.m. We...

We have a contract. We'll attack them tomorrow.

- Who? - All.

Even Mitterrand is leading us on.

He is no longer responsible for anything.

It's as if I don't exist.

But we have a contract. The Cube is inalienable.

- Do you want to attack a state? - France is being put on trial.

- They will pay. - They've already paid you.

They will compensate us if they do not keep their promises.

Tomorrow, you sue them.

It's the same.

Non!

You do it tomorrow morning.

If we don't attack, They will eat us alive.

They are cannibals, savages...

I know, but it's complicated to attack a state.

We need to sleep and we'll find the best one...

Andreu and Subilon are attacked.

They need to understand that their actions have consequences.

They think they can get away with anything. And they despise me.

But now, we're fighting back.

We have the right on our side. We have all the drawings.

All the competition entries are public.

They cannot contest them.

So the Cube, the little cubes,

and the clouds must be built.

It must be built as planned.

Otherwise, it's an obstacle to my work.

An impediment to my integrity, to my artistic integrity,

to me.

André?

- I'm looking for André. - The architect?

No, the project manager of the works. - He is on the walkway.

Who is he?

This is not my concern right now. - See that with Subilu.

I validated the technical part, the rest does not concern me.

You didn't tell me anything.

Why?

I don't know, because you probably weren't there.

We arbitrate the budget every day on a construction site.

This is not my marvel.

Listen, we have deadlines to meet.

I told you yesterday: the urgency is to move forward.

We talked about marble yesterday but never change it!

It's not white, it's grey!

We're working!

You were saying... Martine, there he is.

You call him, you organize this meeting and that everyone is there.

Why didn't you say anything? On marble?

What?

What happened?

You thought it would be better to tell me nothing?

What do you imagine?

What are you talking about?

They replaced the marble.

Stop acting like an idiot.

I wasn't aware of that.

How could I have known?

I told you to keep an eye on them.

I told you they're plotting behind my back.

You need to keep an eye on them But you let them do it.

- That's wrong. - That was your role!

You were the one who should have done that!

How do I do it? If I can no longer trust you?

Don't yell at me, Otto.

I refuse.

You need to calm down.

How do I do it?

- Of course you can trust me. - Apparently not.

Clearly not.

You can't say that.

This is unacceptable.

Did you file a complaint?

No.

You see?

You're no longer on my side.

If you are no longer on my side, There's nobody left.

And I am completely alone.

- There's nobody left. - Otto.

I find myself alone surrounded by idiots. Of gangsters and thugs.

What's going on?

You can see, I'm leaving.

I beg your pardon, Liv.

Yes.

But that doesn't change anything. The way you spoke to me.

It won't happen again.

Of course it won't happen again.

But it hurts me when people yell at me.

It breaks something inside me. Do you understand?

Yes.

No, Liv, wait.

You ask for forgiveness and I hear you.

But I'm still damaged.

Please wait a moment.

Just a moment.

I cannot live like this.

It was me who refused to approve the

order for your carard because of its price.

Moreover, André did not wish to change marble, but he guided us

when I told him that the carard you had chosen would be abandoned.

I did not do it from the heart.

I did it mainly in the interest of the overall economy of the cube.

When I see today the turn things are taking, it

confirms me in the idea that there was no other possible solution.

Our relations have had ups and downs, that is undeniable.

We are going to find a more virtuous way of functioning.

You do what you want.

It is no longer my business.

Mr. President,

I have come to present my resignation.

But that is impossible.

Why?

You both have your ideas.

And now, you are free.

But you are the architect.

And also, we have a contract.

You do not respect contracts.

It means nothing anymore.

Otto,

we need you.

No, that is false.

The small cubes have disappeared.

The clouds have disappeared.

Bonded glass is forbidden in France and now you have

changed the good marble the president chose for an ugly marble.

The cube was supposed to be white and smooth and now it is grey and sad.

It is no longer my cube and I will not be able to look at it.

Do you allow me to speak

alone with the architect?

Mr. Architect, you confirm to me that your decision is irreversible.

Yes, Mr. President.

I have been very proud to be invited by France.

You knew your ambition to change life.

But recently, I have felt very alone.

I have encountered too many jokes.

I appreciate your honesty.

Do not surprise me, your cube is a work

without detour, and you designed it in your image.

But that is not only that.

This cube takes up too much space.

It distances me from my own life.

I want to find my wife.

I have forgotten the most important things.

What does she like?

Which book? Which music?

I do not know how she sleeps.

What is her skin like?

I want to find that again.

I want to go to the opera with her. I want to go fishing both of us.

I do not want the cube.

Everywhere.

Between her and me.

You are probably making the right choice.

Obviously, I fully respect your decision.

I will instruct that this separation be carried out

with elegance and that your remuneration therefore remains unchanged.

Thank you for everything, Mr. President.

It is quite normal, in view of the quality of the

exchanges I had the honor of sharing with you.

In return, and given the political context

which weakens the project, let us agree,

not to communicate this resignation to the

press or to the profession, the contract stipulates it.

Let us keep a certain confidentiality in order not to tarnish

neither the image of the cube, nor yours, naturally.

Naturally.

I do not agree with your decision.

It is not the first time.

When I built Roissy, I was 29 years old.

More than once, I wondered if I was not an impostor.

All along the construction site, I was telling myself, what am I doing here?

Very often, even, I was seized by vertigo.

But I held on.

Because afterwards, it was too easy to give up.

You are wrong.

You have to believe in these ideas to do that.

But here, you are not defending your ideas.

You are giving them up.

You are putting your ego before your work.

If it were a question of ego, I would not have stopped.

This commission is too prestigious, you know it.

Know in any case that your radicality impresses me.

It is for me a source of inspiration.

It is good if you have learned something from me.

Better that than never. - You know, André is right.

Not only are you abandoning your project, but also all those who believed in it.

In our respective functions, we have done

a maximum so that the cube can see the light of day.

I am part of it.

I put all my time, all my energy, all my faith into it.

A project is a single idea.

But a powerful idea.

Here, the arrangement of the beams changes depending on the floor.

In this direction and in that direction

to open onto a very beautiful staircase

which passes through the building.

It's beautiful, it works well.

That's very good.

You didn't understand the program.

That's the wrong scale.

And you did not respect the choice of materials.

Are you ready? To work in France.

I gave you a good rating despite everything

because I feel a great passion in the project.

That remains the most important thing.

I congratulate you on your projects

because they each have their own identity.

And that's essential.

The next step,

it will be about integrating the client's requests.

Sir, may I speak with you?

Yes.

You don't want to to talk about Paris,

but we want to start a petition against the black bars.

Which black bars?

Those who will be in place of your little cubes.

When I saw that they were black, I was very surprised.

Don't even think about it.

I signed a document which formalizes the end of my collaboration.

This is no longer my project.

But they betray your idea.

These bars will be very close of your Cube.

This is no longer my Cube.

I've put that behind me.

Monsieur,

We are looking for Johann Otto von Sprechelsen.

His grave should be to the east of the cemetery.

Where is it?

I think it's this way.

We just came from but we found nothing.

He may be in the paupers' square?

Square?

Perhaps the Indigenous quarter.

Thanks.

Who was it?

An architect.

A great architect.

On October 11, 1986, Johan Otto von Spreckelsen traveled alone to Paris;

he suffered a fainting spell on the day of his arrival.

He died on March 16, 1987, without having seen his cube completed.

The construction work was brought to completion by Paul Andreu.

François Mitterrand inaugurated the Grande Arche de la Défense on.

July 14, 1989, during the bicentennial of the French Revolution.

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