All language subtitles for 3652333

I'm experimenting an all-new stem
on my most beautiful roses.

The result will surprise you.
You can trust me.

Anyway, I don't understand
botany anymore.

When I see all these new trees,
and all these varieties...

I can't even remember their names.

Have you seen the Baroness?

She'll have gone up there,
using the new trail.

If by any chance you go too,
I promise you a surprise.

ELECTIVE AFFINITIES

A film from Goethe's eponymous novel
by Claude Chabrol

Screenplay
Roger Grenier

The summer-house is finished.

But how did you guess?

Come, I'll do you the honors.

Watch this, Édouard.

I must admit, Charlotte,
that the location is wonderful.

I have but one reservation.

- Your summer-house is rather small.
- It's large enough for both of us.

Almost enough for a third.
If we accept to contrive a little.

And for a fourth also.

Let's drink some wine.

I regret not having brought
a bottle of champagne.

Next time we'll have
a real party.

I must tell you about a concern.

It's about the Captain.

He wrote to me, recently.

He has left the army,
somewhat despite himself.

He hasn't found a job
that suits him,

and seems on
the path to a breakdown.

- A man of this quality?
- Yes.

And, what's more,
my best friend.

Couldn't we welcome him here?
At least for some time.

I don't know.
It requires consideration.

You don't seem enthusiastic.

We feel so good, the two of us.

For sure...

The Captain would be useful here.

I always feel it's urgent
to reorder this estate.

He is the right man for the job.
What do you think?

Édouard...

We have waited so long
to live together.

We have lost so many years.

We married other people
despite already loving each other.

And now I can't help but think...

I don't have much time left
to enjoy being with you.

And I don't want
to waste a second of it.

I don't see how the Captain
would bother us. On the contrary.

Think about it.
He would take care of everything.

And it would relieve me.

Now, many tasks prevent me
from to dedicating myself to you.

If your mind is already made up,
I don't know why you're asking me.

Don't get upset, Charlotte.

Since I'm for it and you're against...
Let's flip a coin.

Oh, no.

This is too serious. You can't
flip a coin on your friend's fate.

Mister Courtier is at the castle,
and asks if Your Worships will see him.

- Tell him we're coming.
- Very well, Baron.

He who loves to act as a mediator...

There's a reason his name
is Courtier (« Broker »).

Ah, this Courtier...
A real hunting dog.

He smelled our first quarrel from afar.

So, in the name of your tranquility,
you're ready to sacrifice the Captain.

I'm sorry but I must call you selfish.

I could say that I have sacrificed
my niece Ottilie. And she's my ward.

She's not happy
in this boarding school.

The director wrote me that
she had headaches and a bad appetite.

She'd be better off with us.
In the countryside.

Here is a deal. Give me my dear Captain,
and I will accept your dear Ottilie.

And what if your Captain
turns my Ottilie's head?

She's only a boarder without experience.

So what? Would it be wrong?

Are you making fun of me?

How so?

I don't understand why
you're talking about a quarrel.

Listening to the both of you,
it almost sounds like a tragedy.

I don't understand at all.

Don't get upset, Courtier.
We want advice.

I don't deal in advices.

I help my friends in real trouble.
This is very different.

In any case, I shouldn't be here.

Whether or not you welcome
that niece and that Captain here...

is irrelevant and won't change anything.

Fate plays us like the dead leaf
is swept by the autumn wind...

And time will come for worries.

If someday things start to go south.

Now we're left
more uncertain than before.

Do you recognise the estate?

Yes, but I didn't remember
the grounds were that vast.

I realised it when I crossed them
on horseback, as I was arriving.

And these fields, these lands...

And these woods... Everything is yours?

Almost, yes.

The first thing to do will be a survey.
I brought everything I'll need.

Compasses, sighting instruments, etc...

You haven't seen my new amenities.
My work of art.

- Let's go to the summer-house.
- I'm warning you, it's a whole trip.

Why are there garlands?

- They mark a triple celebration.
- Triple?

Firstly, our friend's arrival.

- It deserves a celebration, doesn't it?
- Thank you.

Secondly and thirdly,
today is your feast day,

since you share the same name.

- Indeed, that's true...
- I forgot you were named Otto as well.

And you changed your name
because of the mix-ups in school.

Yes. I was fed up being
punished in your place.

So, one fine day,
I chose to be called Édouard.

Admit it, you thought the ladies
would like it better.

You were right, Charlotte,
four could fit in this summer-house.

Should we keep moving? From up there,
you'll see the whole north side.

The trail isn't equipped yet,
but I want to add stairs and ramps.

I wonder if that's the best solution.

You've acted somewhat blindly,
only following your whims,

without any plan, and I think
we will need one before proceeding.

You think so?

And yet, the trail is charming
as it is, don't you think?

A bit narrow.

It would have been wise to blow up
the rocks cluttering the best track.

The small trees over there have been
planted by me, when I was fifteen.

You were right about the trail.
It's an amateur's job.

Don't blame my excessive honesty.

We're still thinking about a pavilion
in the dale behind this grove.

It could be seen from the castle.

In all things of nature
with which we live...

we first notice
an intimate attraction.

But the fact they share
an intimate relation...

means they must have one
with all other things...

and these relations differ
in various foreign bodies.

Soon, some find themselves
like old friends...

to mix and join forces
without major changes.

Like, for example,
wine and water can mix...

because they share
something called « affinities ».

On the other hand,
some remain like strangers...

and end up dissociating
even when mixed by force.

Like water and oil, which always
go back to their properties...

I hate it that every time I read,
you start reading as well.

I feel like you're
stealing my words!

Edward, don't get mad.

What happened is silly.
You said « affinities »,

and I thought directly
of our parents, our friends,

of Ottilie who will soon be here.

Then I understood
it was about chemistry, so...

I looked at your book
to pick up the thread.

How can anyone be
so distracted?

You used to read poetry.

But this new theory
is fascinating.

This theory of « elective affinities »
we must obey...

What do you think, Otto?

That the bodies are more or less
attracted is a known fact.

But to me, affinities only
become interesting

when they cause separations.

I'm losing the thread again.

You'll understand better
with an experiment.

I have some lime in there.

That's limestone earth
and carbon dioxide.

And there...

Sulfuric acid.

That's what jealous women
use under the name « vitriol ».

I will now immerse
the lime in acid.

What is happening?

The acid takes hold
of the lime, and...

We now have gypsum.

The gas has been driven out.
It has evaporated.

We can observe that
there has been a separation

and then a new fusion.
As if lime indicated

that it preferred
sulfuric acid to carbon gas...

It obviously is an elective affinity.

I disagree.

The elements didn't choose.
It was the Captain who chose...

by putting them together.

And the poor carbon gas
is alone again.

No, it can still combine with water.

And become a mineral water,
healthy for those who will drink it.

But gypsum is a chemical,
and became another.

While the poor exiled man
will struggle to find a new shelter.

I see what you're getting at.

You see me as the lime,
the Captain as the sulfuric acid

and you think...
he will take me away from you.

Because our elective affinities
would be the law.

And you'd find yourself alone.

Be reassured Charlotte,
chemists are no boors

and gallantly think of
a fourth person

so that no one is left behind.

How good of you.

An interesting case for us.

Four materials...

Now in contact, and which used
to form two unbreakable couples...

Abandon their previous unions.

And against all odds, crossover
to form two new couples.

Now these are elective affinities.

Those two days of traveling
weren't too exhausting?

Why such humility?

It's not humility...

I was thinking of the time
when I was as tall as your knees.

And I was already
assured of your love.

Come, now.

The first thing to do is
to ditch this boarder outfit.

But I have nothing else.

You can't appear like this
before Édouard and the Captain.

Wait. I'll get you something.

Look!

This one will suit you.

Until we buy new ones.

Oh, it's no use.
I've learned to cut fabric.

- I will know how to make dresses—
- How serious.

In this place, one must be gay.

You'll see, Édouard is a child.
A spoiled child.

You'll help me with the house?

There are so many things to do.
The kitchen, the laundry...

The garden, the spending...

This is the chemistry laboratory.

The Captain shows us
very amusing experiments.

Amusing? Chemistry?

I struggled so much with it
in boarding school.

I didn't understand anything.

I'm sorry.
You were saying?

Where are you?

Where are you?

Here, we all share
a passion for botanics.

A flower... What is it?
What is a flower?

It is the sex cell of the plants,
where fecundation takes place.

Oh, Édouard...
You'll make Ottilie blush.

- I find her most interesting.
- Interesting?

- She hasn't opened her mouth yet.
- Yes, that's true...

Is something bothering you, Charlotte?

Ever since I got here,
all your projects have stalled.

Your enthusiasm seems
to have dropped.

I'm thinking of the new stairs
and new trail to the summer-house.

I would be very upset...

If my criticisms were
somehow at fault.

The fault does lies with
your criticisms but I'm not hurt.

As the days go by,
I realise you were right.

And I don't want you
to misjudge me.

To spend one's life arranging
a park and a garden...

You will think it frivolous.

You're entirely wrong.

I think, on the contrary,
that it is very important.

A garden, Charlotte, is an example
and a model of order.

And I hope that tomorrow's men,

who will have to be
more civilised and intelligent,

will make the planet
harmonious and happy,

and make it look
like a great garden.

And that this polished society
will allow everyone to blossom.

Do you know my wish?

That we take up this project
together. The both of us.

If we could build an alley
around the height on the left...

Access would be facilitated.

If your plan calls for it...

I'm ready to have
the summer-house destroyed.

No... It's connected
to memories dear to me.

Remember... You wished me
my feast back there.

Two spoonfuls for you.

Look at this. She knows
my taste from A to Z.

You dislike carrots,
you dread strings in green beans,

you can't stand cloves in the broth,
you fear draughts.

So...

I've finally completed
the survey of the estate.

We'll use it to work on
our projects more accurately.

Congratulations.

Now, we'll finally consider
that idea of a pleasure pavilion.

This is the track going upwards...
The summer-house is there.

This is where I could build
the accesses I mentioned earlier.

They would spiral up
to the pavilion, on the hillside.

I can already picture us there,
enjoying the lovely season.

Look at this, Ottilie.

You haven't said a word.
We'd love to hear your opinion.

If I were you, I would build
the house in the clearing.

But we won't see the castle.
The woods will hide it.

Precisely.
We will be in another world.

You want a lodge to change location,
to feel less at home...

Yes. She's absolutely right.

Besides...

That's where the view is the best.

- My plans!
- I'm sorry.

I'll take care of the damage.

As for the location of the pavilion...

Our little Ottilie is in the right.

- Me too, I prefer this new project.
- So...!

When do we start?

Well, we have to tweak my plans,
evaluate the cost,

and hire an architect
— and a good one.

And we'll need the money.

I'll sell one of
the profitless farms.

I want to see Ottilie's idea
realised as soon as possible.

Now, it is everybody's idea.

Not at all...

Do not torment me.

- The Baroness isn't here yet?
- No, Baron.

Then, Ottilie... You were right.

- Our path was the best one.
- Not the safest one.

My wife and my friend
are going around the pond

which is longer, whereas
we thrusted through the ravine.

The young lady
could have hurt herself.

No, she overcomes all obstacles.
The heavens protect her.

I'll go meet the Baroness.
My wife is here and will serve you.

Yes, excellent initiative.

- Will you eat something?
- I'm not hungry.

- How odd, you're never hungry.
- But I'm really thirsty.

Manager! Bring us some milk.

Right away, Baron.

Had I known, seeing you
from afar at the court...

What do you mean?

Everyone thought that you
and Charlotte made an ideal couple.

It was the beginnings of your love.

You were merely born...

What?
I clearly remember one incident.

I was five or six.
You came in swiftly.

Out of fear, I went
and hid in Charlotte's clothing.

I'm curious about one thing.
This medallion.

The portrait of my father.

Very pretty. And very fragile,
any shock would break the glass.

I feared that earlier.

I'm begging you, Ottilie.

Take it off your neck.

Keep it until we get back.

I hear you almost broke your neck.

How so? We arrived here
without a scratch.

When our house is up here,
I intend to come often.

During our walk, I was thinking
that if everything goes as planned

we could celebrate Charlotte's birthday
by laying the first stone.

I see Charlotte managed to pass on
her love for festivities. I hate them.

No, I just think it would
make Charlotte very happy.

In that case...

Let's agree to change
our habits on the matter.

From now on, we won't miss
any feast or any birthday.

Come, Ottilie...

See the splendors of the park
and the marvels of the rose garden.

What a wonderful idea!

I'm so happy with this walk.

I couldn't see you
in the park anymore.

I thought you were avoiding me.

I understand.

- I hope you don't resent me.
- Oh, no.

I think highly of you.

Sun of loves — does your heat
still warms those who left?

Will the light of dawn
still shine on our twilight?

Lovely gardens, hills purpled
by the sunset — you are welcome.

And you, shaded wood trails
who witnessed a such bliss,

And you too, myriad of stars
who often gave me your blessing.

You too, lovers of the world,
bright children of the Spring,

Impassive, smooth, immaculate roses —
I will always sing your praise.

Let the seasons pass —

Let the years follow the years,
merging storms with blue skies,

and striking without mercy
the burdened mortals.

But on the faces transfigured
by joy, in the eyes of the lovers —

Glows the hope of endless felicity.

What lovely colors.

The various incarnations of light.

If one builds in the city,
then it's different.

Because you only build
where you've been told to.

But in the countryside...
the master decides of the spot.

It's the privilege of the lord.

He says: « Here shall be my
dwelling, and nowhere else ».

Baroness...

On this day, which is your birthday.

Your Grace will lay the first stone.

As required by tradition,
the first stone is always hollow

to enclose objects testifying
from our way of life.

So that our offspring can understand
and write their ancestors' history.

These tubes you see enclose scrolls.

They run no risk of being damaged,
they're well protected.

One has been given by the mayor,

one comes from the pastor
and one from the schoolmaster.

I now place a vial of local wine,
that will have time to age.

Coins struck during the year.

There is still room.

If somebody wants to leave
something personal, don't be afraid.

You too can leave something.

Allow me to leave
two buttons from my uniform.

What about you, Ottilie?

Won't you leave something in this house
that owes so much to you?

This treasure will remain
hidden until the day

someone will destruct
this yet unbuilt house.

But on that day —

Yes, on that day — where will we be?

Until then, let's drink to the Baron
the wine he has brought for us.

Miss! Miss!

Let me have one minute of your life.
Less, if you don't move.

Thanks, but I don't need a portrait.

You're more beautiful than
any painting will ever be.

But please pose for me,
in memory of this celebration.

It's a surprise for the Baroness.

Thank you, miss.

All that's missing is your fiancé.

- He's not my fiancé.
- I'm sorry.

Why isn't Courtier around?
Didn't we invite him?

You know he doesn't like celebrations.

But as soon as he smells something
dreadful, he comes running.

He's like that.

Let me see this glass.
I think I recognise it.

This glass was engraved
for me when I was young.

« Otto », « Édouard »,
both your first names...

It's the glass that was saved earlier.
What a great omen.

And look what's engraved.
« E »...

And « O »...

We should have sealed
that glass in the stone.

I'll do everything to finish
this house by the 29 of August.

Why?

Because it will be your birthday.

And your turn to be celebrated.

Your Grace, can I offer you
this improvised gift?

Thank you.
Everyone is way too sweet.

Where did you find the time
in all this ruckus?

Édouard! Ottilie!

Otto, look at this.

- Look at how well this is done.
- Yes.

What an artist.

Otto...

You've got the profile of a medal.

To each his own...

I'll have them framed.

Thank you.

Courtier... We were expecting you
yesterday for the first stone.

I'm suspicious of
the noise of celebrations.

I preferred to show myself today,
when we can be alone,

and I can wish you
your birthday quietly.

You're a wild man.
But thank you.

- You'll spend the night?
- Gladly. You know how I am.

I like to show up
when my friends are not well...

Then I'm comfortable
and I try to help.

Look at this.

Remove the vase.

But this time I thought it was silly
not to see friends I love, like you,

under the absurd pretense
that their marriage is going well.

You're one of
the best couples I know.

My only criticism is that
you never need my services.

You'll be disappointed.
This the wrong day for calm.

Do you know who's coming?

The Count and the Baroness.

I'm really cursed. I'm trying
to avoid them at all costs.

You don't realise the lengths
I went to for these people.

To the point
I can't see them anymore.

By the way, are there rooms ready?

And Courtier will need one...

- Will you take care of it?
- Yes.

It's no use, I won't even eat here.
I'll be long gone when they arrive.

Really?

I'm not joking, I swear.
I'm leaving.

What is this all about?

I didn't want to talk
in front of Ottilie, but...

The Count and the Baroness are...
a tale from the court.

You should say a scandal.
No one hosts them anymore.

It's an old affair.

They were both married
to someone else.

The Baroness managed
to divorce, but not him.

So they pretended to break things off.

But they make things up
when travelling.

Or when they take the waters.

You'll see, they'll both arrive
on their own. As if by chance.

Everything will be ready.

They'll only stay for one night.

They are dear friends,
but it's not the right time,

their visit is inconvenient.

I have to copy all papers
of the sale of the farm.

Give them to me.

No, it's too much work.
You wouldn't see the end of it.

When are they due?

The day after tomorrow.

It will be done.

Be kind, Édouard, show me
what I must do. I'll start right away.

No, no, I'll repeat it.

You won't make me stay.

I've already said I would
never see them again.

Have they personally
offended you?

I've always hated those who
disregard marriage.

All of civilisation rests on marriage.

It is a heavy chain, I'll admit it,
and often a punishment...

But it involves our conscience.

A partner which will never
have mercy of us.

I'm sure you'll agree.

Here they are.

I'm no prophet but I'm warning you.
They're bad luck.

Oh, Courtier...

Now, where is Courtier?

Is he not eating with us?

He's gone. He praised marriage
and then he vanished.

I concur with him.

I'm quite ready to praise
the institution that is marriage.

But I take issue with its duration.

How to admit that, in a changing world,
it should be forever...

You're going to treat us with
another of your paradoxes.

I ask you not to offend
the young girl in our presence.

I'm sorry, I don't want to offend.
I have my own theory.

Long live matrimony,
but with a five-year lease.

Isn't it a good idea?

Five years?
It would be too much...

Or not enough...

Not at all.

Five years are more than enough
to appreciate each other.

And even have a few children.

Then you can quarrel and,
you never know... reconcile.

I hope, in that case,
one can renew the lease.

Certainly. Tacit renewal.

This system puts your fate
into play every time.

Careful. I thought about a small
restriction to my system.

No one could get married
more than three times.

The third marriage
would be unbreakable.

After ten years and two experiences,
one should know his desires.

In your own case, the trial period
would be over, wouldn't it?

On that note... Nothing new
since I last saw you?

The best happened to you.
Widowship is a blessing.

Not everybody has your luck.

Death was complacent to you,
and courts are less understanding.

One can't deny that death
is less hazardous.

Let the dead rest.

Your first husband, as well as
Édouard's first wife, if I recall,

have spoiled your best years...

I've learnt to enjoy happiness
only by instants.

About our past, Charlotte,
do you remember the balls at the court?

When you danced with Édouard,
everybody looked up to you.

And this fool lost ten years
in a marriage arranged by his parents.

I don't know how you could miss
someone as beautiful as Charlotte.

To be fair, Charlotte was flirtatious.

- Above all, she loved to seduce.
- Thank you.

And the first man she married
wasn't all that bad.

I protest. I always hated the man.

It's all so old.

Forget about my inconsiderate ideas.
The five years, and the rest.

Since the both of you
were made for each other.

Had always been, and will always be...

Excuse me. My head hurts
and I must finish my copying.

- But you barely ate anything.
- I'm not hungry.

She never is.
I have to scold her every time.

Did Otto describe our plans?

This is stupid.
I forgot the plans for the estate.

You'll show me later.

I'd rather explain here,
I'll go get them.

It will only take
a couple of minutes.

What a remarkable man.
There are few like him.

You really think so?

Don't take this the wrong way.

It's a pity that such a man
devotes himself to small works,

when he could be employed
for such great things.

I'm sure he could.

A happy coincidence
has put him on my road.

I've been looking for
someone like this for so long.

It's a major situation at the court.

The Minister complains no one
is good enough to work by his side.

I know he'll be thankful to meet
your friend, and will like him.

The thing is...

I don't make anything linger.

I've already thought about
the letter for the Minister.

I just have to write it.

Could I use a horse messenger?

I would like to send my letter
as early as tonight.

It could be the start of a great career.

I don't know why he satisfies
with so little. It is strange.

You'd have to be lovers,
like you and Édouard...

to bury yourselves in the countryside
and live there happily.

Oh, yes.

You'll understand much better
with these plans.

These trees... I planted them
when I was 15 years old.

When I think about that...
Amusing coincidence.

They're the exact age
as young Ottilie.

What do you know...

No one will touch those little trees.
They're very dear to me.

Of course... If you've planted
them by yourself.

And what's more...

Ottilie spared us a big mistake
with the house.

If we picked the right location,
it's thanks to her.

I can see this little girl
is very useful.

Essential, I'd say.

I'd say she's insignificant.
And frankly, improbable.

How can you say that?

Every time she appears,
one is fascinated by... by...

By what?

By her mere presence.

She's...

A light that shines
on everything around her.

All young girls
are like that, my dear.

They flash for some time.

And soon,
their light falters and fades...

No! No!

- In Ottilie's case, you're wrong.
- Why so?

She's a girl that...

...is exceptional.
Yes, that's it.

My dear Édouard...

Usually such a brilliant and a smooth
speaker. I don't recognise you.

You're full of banalities.

Will you visit me next month?

We always have fun
at the time of grape harvest.

- I'd love to, but...
- You take boat rides.

Visit one another in castles.
There are balls every night.

Could Ottilie come as well?

I feel you can't get enough of her.

And her of you...
Let's keep that between us.

Many things can happen by then.

What we hope for too long...

Often escapes us.

Had I known I'd find you
at your vanity table during the day...

I got hot walking up the hill.

And I felt the need
to powder my nose.

I walked quietly by the pond.

With Édouard.

Until your niece
arrived and joined us.

What's her name already?

Yes, Ottilie!

The Count was also up there.
And...

Will you allow me
a single reproach?

This girl you took from
her convent to live with you...

How can she learn the worldly
fashions in the countryside?

She'd have to go out.
Into town.

I don't think she wishes to.

I don't think so either,
but it's abnormal.

I have an idea.

A friend is looking for,
to keep her daughter's company...

Someone from the same world.

It's an unexpected chance,
that Ottilie can't neglect.

You really think so?

Women of the same age
need to help one another.

Trust me.

Your wife keeps growing
more beautiful, she's extraordinary.

Admit you're a lucky one.

Yes, but admit you've always
loved Charlotte a little.

If you hadn't been
my best friend...

Who knows how things
would have turned out.

One detail I always admired
are her feet, sweet and delicate...

She does walk like a deity.

I can see you're incorrigible.

Do you want to hear something?

If you promise
not to be angry at me...

What I would love
is to drink in her shoe...

A sleaze is what you are.

Ah, I have been too naive.

When I think that instead
of courting Charlotte

I did everything to favor
your chances, remember...

Ah, yes. Those were
the good times.

During that visit
from the princes...

Remember, you dragged me
to the apartments of the ladies.

But instead of ladies,
where did we land?

At the guardhouse.
I can still see them.

Lying on their mattresses...
Real giants. And snoring.

Midnight tolls.

The perfect hour, Édouard.

I'll admit that the Baroness
expects me and I'll be on my way.

That's you...

I'll leave you.

No, don't.
I still need you.

I might get lost.

Tonight, you'll be my guide.
Don't take the wrong path.

We run the risk of finding
our three ladies chatting together.

And maybe...

Our late visit will seem peculiar.

No, don't worry, I know
I'm expected by the Baroness who,

at this hour, will have returned
to her room for a long time.

At least, here, there's no risk
of stumbling over the guards.

Thankfully, they were sleeping.
Remember...

Those giants would have given us
a hard time... Here we are.

Charlotte...!

Who... Who's there?

It's me.

Who?

Édouard!
Who else would it be?

I didn't expect your visit.

I thought that...

You would have stayed
with the Count to reminisce.

I led him, at midnight,
to the door of his old mistress.

Where he went in...

This is why you
knocked on my door.

I could have been sleeping.

You'll forgive me.

It's... It's because...

Tonight I promised myself
to kiss you little shoe.

Which I'll do right away!

You haven't had
such ideas in a long time.

You look sad.
Are you angry I came?

No, no. It's alright.

It's alright.

Don't forget my offer
about the girl.

Last night, I didn't
take the wrong hallway.

It was marvelous.

Praise traveling and
the lovely surprises it offers.

See you soon, my dear.
Let's rely on chance.

It's been a long time since
the four of us walked together.

Let's go to the ponds, then.

The rowboat I ordered
must have arrived.

I'm anxious to see
what is looks like.

Will you be angry
if I don't come along?

I still haven't finished my copy.

And yet, you've worked very late.

How do you know?

What do you think?
It's beautiful!

Another whim...

We'll build
a landing-place right here.

And we'll need one
on the other side.

Don't you touch my trees...

Let's go aboard, to see
how easy it is to handle.

I'm sorry, I forgot something
about this copy Ottilie is doing.

See you later!

Our forces are visibly shrinking...

Soon I'll be on my own.

Why say such a thing?

I'm done.

Do you wish to collate?

This is wonderful.

It looks like
I've copied it myself.

I feel like I'm seeing
my own writing.

How I wish I were like you...
In every way.

But, you love me, Ottilie.

Yes, you love me!

You love me, Ottilie...

It is easy to handle.

You could maneuver it yourself.

See, you do want
to leave me.

Don't you want to cross?

To the other bank?

I'll approach it that way.

There's a path which
leads back to the castle.

Ah, we're returning quite late.

I don't know the time.
We were lost in our work.

I must change clothes,
we were almost shipwrecked.

Shipwrecked...

Good night.

I hope not to cross path
with your awful guests anymore.

Don't be so harsh. Despite the odds,
they remain charming and gay.

I won't admit your indulgence.

One has only to love.
To love someone with one's soul...

And everybody else
becomes lovable.

Will you have a collation?
I'll take care of it.

Let it be. To hell with
the old Baroness and the Count.

I'm overjoyed to be in
the presence of a real couple.

Of beings like you two.
A unified couple.

A couple which respects
the sworn oath.

Édouard has lost his mind.

Without regard for our plans,
he wants to speed up the work.

He remains on site all day.

And now, he has doubled
the number of workers.

How will we pay them?

I received only one installment
for the old farm.

He says he'll borrow money.
All he cares about

is that the pavilion,
the paths leading to it...

Everything should be finished
for Ottilie's birthday.

Even the work around the pond,
which I had planned for later.

What would you do in my place?

These days Édouard
is like a sleepwalker.

He would walk on a rooftop.

Should he be called...

...to warn him of danger,
he'd wake up, fall and die.

They're not like us.

They won't give up one another.

I'm afraid.
I fear the worst.

I think...

I think Ottilie
should be driven away.

I'll send her back
to the boarding school.

And you will leave.

Édouard and I
will remain on our own.

And everything
will return to normal.

- Ottilie, where are you going?
- I'm going to find Édouard at the site.

Stay here.
I need your help.

Ottilie... I've been looking
for you all morning.

I am like Orpheus,
having lost his Eurydice.

To find her in Hell.

Charlotte has asked me
to supervise the kitchens.

Very clever.

She lets you think
you lead the kitchens...

But she's monitoring you
and preventing me from seeing you.

How many days have I spent
without talking to you?

I don't see why
I'm bothering her...

She loves the Captain. You told me
she wanted to divorce to marry him.

That's what I thought.

I don't know anymore.

No!

Come on, remove this.

- It's an order from the Baron.
- Never mind, I take the responsibility.

You're losing your mind, Édouard.

You want Ottilie to be the queen
of the party. It's unthinkable!

- Charlotte is jealous.
- You know that's not the point.

Ottilie is too young, has no title,
and you know her modesty.

It's one of her qualities,
and I'm proud for her.

Your madness is going
to drive everyone to shame.

You see. She's the queen,
despite everything.

Wait, wait, wait!

Put that back up.
Come on.

My dear friends...

Tonight, you are my guests.

There will be fireworks.

For the inauguration
of the new promenade.

And for the birthday...

Of the young lady
who is our guest of honor.

Now, have fun!

Let the party begin!

Why did you attract
attention to me?

You were wrong to invite
all these people.

This gathering on the bank
seems unwise.

You run the risk
of causing an accident.

I really wonder
if you're still a friend.

You've managed to
spoil the day for me.

At least, let me set up
its second act as I please.

My child!

Save him!

There could be other victims.

Everybody's safe.
Let's go, now.

Are you sure?

Yes, I swear.
Come to the house, now.

Take the child to the castle.

Why are you leaving?
Come on, stay.

It was but a small accident.
There were no victims.

The fireworks will take place.

You aren't going
to shoot your fireworks?

Why not?

It would be indecent.

- This child almost died.
- Almost!

- Come, Ottilie.
- No... - One moment!

I have no intention of
ending the day in the hospital.

The nuns should take care
of these so-called dead people

who will soon wake up
and dry up without us!

About the fireworks...
What should I do, Your Grace?

- Set them off!
- Yes.

These fireworks are
solely for you.

And only you will see them.

Alongside me, naturally,
if you accept it.

I withheld the moment
to say this, but... Here it is.

You have to know it.

I... I must leave for London.

Why must I
admire you so much?

You knew it was inevitable.

You have sacrificed our love.

As you almost sacrificed
your life, earlier.

You are a man of sacrifices.

It is cruel...

For those who love you.

The Captain has announced
he would leave tomorrow.

Thanks to the Count, I'm being
offered a major position.

I'm very glad for you.

You'll have a promotion.

Of course. I'm already
starting as a Commander.

Congratulations. You'll
become a real catch.

You realise, I think...

That you'll find someone
to marry very soon.

Édouard always says
the wrong thing.

It's a gift that he has.

The Count's plans for me
also include a large dowry.

You can imagine I have
no intention to accept this.

Why?

Since you won't be back.

Never again?

Are you not going to sleep?

Why?

You'll understand later.

Our friend has left us.

We're on our own again.

As before.

You're not too sad?

I don't know how I'll endure
the sacrifices I've made for myself.

If I knew I wasn't alone...

I would feel stronger.

We haven't come
here in a long time.

Together...

I don't know
what you want, in the end.

Listen to me.

We're not young
enough anymore...

To act like fools.

We don't have anyone
to watch over us.

We must be our own friends.

Our own advisers.

Our marriage was a youthful
mistake. Another one.

And a late one, at that.

Is it useful to make it last
for the rest of our lives?

You love Ottilie.
She's merely attached to you.

The wisest thing
is to keep her away.

She'll leave tomorrow.

I consent to renounce, but...

But her?

She'll be unhappy
everywhere but here.

It's unthinkable!

She's unhappy here as well.

She knows
she's bringing us apart.

Alas, there is no other solution.

Édouard...

My dear Édouard.

I want to help you.

Let me take charge, since today
I see more clearly than you.

Charlotte!

I don't have the courage
to watch Ottilie's departure.

I'd rather leave the house
early tomorrow morning.

To go on a long walk...

I'm sorry, Charlotte.
You were sleeping so well.

You've asked for my sacrifice....

So be it.

But I have my conditions.

Ottilie won't go and live
with any of our friends.

You'll oblige me
and keep her here.

And I will leave!

Let's hope than I'm able
to cure myself.

And that we'll all return
to more quiet life.

Be good to Ottilie, as you
have been until now. But...

Remember my words.

If you ever send her away...

If you cast her away
from this castle, from this park...

Then she'll be mine!

I'll look for her, find her,
and take her!

I'm preparing
a sarsparilla syrup.

Édouard has never tasted it
and I want him to discover it.

Édouard won't be here today.

From now on, you will
cook only for two.

Yes, Madam.

I thought Édouard
only left for the day.

It will probably be longer.

Where is he?

Where can I write him?

We have decided that
you wouldn't write to each other.

And he promised
not to ask about you.

- But you have letters from the Captain.
- It's none of your business.

Anyway, I've been told
that the Captain...

Is getting married.

Édouard told me that the Captain
wanted to marry you.

Is nothing true?

He's not here to taste
the sarsparilla anyway...

He's not here, but he left me
with a reason to think about him.

To hope for his return.

Don't you understand?

I'm expecting, Ottilie.

Poor child.

His father isn't even
here for his birth.

He might return.

You know he won't.

You know this madman
has left to fight in the war.

Dear Charlotte...

So this is the providential child.

And Édouard?
No news?

Count on me, you won't have
to deal with anything.

You can rest assured.

I'll see that your family
receives the announcements,

and he'll have to be baptised.

No. We can't name him
without my husband.

But there's no choice, this child
has to be named « Otto ».

After all, it is
his father's real name.

And, besides, the one of your
best friend, the Captain.

Thank you.

When we come now,
there are two empty seats.

The four of us barely had time
to gather around this table.

It might happen someday.

Nothing happens as
predicted or hoped for.

Because of this child,
Édouard will come back to me.

- And why don't you marry the Captain?
- What an idea...

You are my ward, I must
think of your future.

Going home already?

You know I must go on a visit.

I'll keep on walking him.

If you go by the pond...

Don't take the boat.
I don't like it.

My lands.
We're getting closer.

I'm holding onto my idea.

Since I've returned unharmed
from the war, Ottilie is mine.

It's no use talking with you.
You don't listen.

I had placed a strange bet
with myself.

I was looking for death.

Hoping to avoid it,
at the same time.

I have won my bet.

Ottilie is now mine.

What about Charlotte?
And the child?

Charlotte loves you alone.

You would have married her,
had I been killed.

The child will stay
with his mother, of course.

You will raise him.

Go and join them.

And let me have Ottilie.

Trust me, Otto.
We must achieve this by tonight.

You will signal me
that Charlotte agrees.

A pistol or a rifle,
as soon as it's settled.

You're completely mad.

Not at all.
This is great strategy.

I've learned in the military

that success comes
with surprise assaults.

Oh, dear God.
Mister, the Captain!

Commander, if it's no
trouble to you.

Commander... Has my master
returned as well?

I can't help you much
on this point.

I'd love to know.

But I'm never told anything.

Is your mistress at home?

That's right. You're not aware.

She now lives
in the new pavilion.

Thank you.

But you won't find her.

I saw her leave in her car.

You came back.

You came back...

I've come back
to take you away.

This is your son.

He looks like the Captain.

A living proof against Charlotte.

It gives us every right.

People say he looks like me.

That he has my eyes.

He does have your eyes.

It's all clear, then.

Why is he taking
from you and Otto?

I must tell you about this.

When I was
in the arms of another...

I belonged to you.

And Charlotte pictured herself
in the arms of the Captain.

This child...

...is the fruit of double adultery.
That much is clear.

Did you hear that?

That sound is a signal.
The Captain is with Charlotte.

He was to signal me, should she
consent to divorce. This is it.

This is not a signal...

More likely a hunter.

Anyway, Charlotte
isn't here this afternoon.

I'm late. Let me go.

He looked like you.

I was told the news
at the village.

Why don't you sit down?

Oh, my friend.

What miracle brought you back...
on this precise day?

Because Édouard
had given me a mission.

Before I knew.
It's useless now.

After this woe,
I can hear anything.

He never stopped loving Ottilie.

He's asking for a divorce.

What did you tell him?

That I refused to carry his will.

It looks like
he's giving you to me.

As if he ruled
over our feelings.

Of your thoughts and mine.

Poor Ottilie...

I fear the moment
when she will awaken.

Nothing will comfort her.

Yes...

The love of Édouard.

I thought I'd be
stronger than destiny.

But when it wants something...

You can fight it...

With reason, with duty...

With virtue...

What must happen
ends up happening...

By resisting too much,
I caused the death of this child.

I consent to this divorce.

Don't say a word.
Take my answer to Édouard.

And... And us?
Do you leave me...

With some hope?

We haven't deserved
to be happy together.

I was like paralysed.

I wasn't sleeping.

I could hear you.

Above all, I've chosen
a new path for me.

I will never belong to Édouard.

It was a crime to think about it,
and I've been punished.

Calm down, Ottilie, I beg you.

Send for the Captain.

Tell him to stand back.
I don't want this happiness now.

You can't think right now.

Go and rest. We will talk later.

Don't try to fool me.

If you consent to divorce...

I will throw myself in the pond.

Charlotte is back in the castle.

While Ottilie is leaving.

Yes, she has elected to
return to the boarding school.

With the firm intention
to live there from now on.

She enjoyed it as a student,
now she will be a teacher.

But she has no vocation!

It's a project she had before,
and was happy to abandon.

This time, she is on her way,
and has left this morning.

Édouard, be reasonable.

The boarding school...
It's as if she was in a cloister.

She has sworn before God
never to see you again...

You said she has
left this morning?

Come with me.

Charlotte is waiting, come.

A bit later.
I'll go, I promise.

Goodbye then, my friend.

Can I make a confession?

I'm surprised to find you
so obedient to my advice.

Saddle my horse.

I'll give you
the ceremonial bedroom.

But you'll have to wait.
It's not ready.

Someone should have warned,
because when there are no travelers...

I use it as a pantry.

Prepare it quickly, but not for me.
My wife's niece is coming soon.

She has asked for a simple room.

Do as I say, do you hear?

Come on, come on, quickly.

Do you want to wait here
for the young lady?

No, I only want her
to find a letter from me.

I understand.

No, you don't
understand anything.

Give me the necessary
to write something.

Ottilie, trust me, I didn't want
to impose this meeting upon you.

Start by reading.

Then you'll have
to make a decision.

While you read this letter,
my love, I am close to you.

Do not be scared, I will not
force myself upon your life.

You will not see me
before having agreed to it.

Consider your condition.
And mine.

I thank you for not
considering a decisive step.

Consider this once more.

Should you want to be mine...

It would be a blessing
for all, and for me...

An extinguishable good.

Let me see you again and ask
in person this glowing question.

And may your beautiful
presence be the answer.

On my heart on which
you have rested sometimes.

And where you will
always belong.

I've prepared a nice breakfast.

Should I bring it here?

It's no use.
I'm not hungry.

That's not responsible.

Ottilie, I beg you.

Give me your answer.

I'll do anything you ask,
Ottilie, I swear.

Will you...

Will you belong to me?

You wish to go back
to the boarding school?

To be driven back
to Charlotte, maybe?

Ottilie...

At least, tell me
what's happening.

Since you don't like
what's modern...

You reverted to your old habits
as soon as my back was turned.

Who is this child?

I found myself a companion.

This is Nanette.
She used to live in the village.

Now that you're here,
I don't need anything.

Before I forget...

I was told the Captain
would be coming tomorrow.

Then I must help
Charlotte to prepare.

She doesn't eat with us anymore.

You went after her constantly.
Nagging her.

But I have to force her.

She's never hungry.

She has asked for Nanette
to bring her food to her room.

We ended up agreeing.

Otherwise...

Life went back to being...
entirely normal.

Things are different.
Ottilie didn't leave me, she...

How can I put it?

...transcended.
She hovers above me.

Can I join you?

I was about to read a poem.

May the doomed,
banished from beauty,

run away at full dash,
for his soul,

still contemplating it,
is burnt by the flames.

And towards them, alas,
forever attracted.

It is better to ignore,
next to the loved one,

who will be the one
to betray.

What horrible torture
where your soul is crushed.

You now lay at his feet.

Why does despair
rips your heart apart?

But if you can cry,
and through this veil,

you can still see it —
It is there.

However distant.

Don't leave
and don't despair.

I've never worn this dress.

But I'll wear it tomorrow.

For Édouard's birthday.

God, it's pretty.

You'll be so beautiful
in that dress.

I think I have everything.

You can close the box, Nanette.

There are so many
pretty things in there.

Miss?

Couldn't you give me
some ornaments?

No, they're memories...

Oh, please do, since...

You're never
using them anyway.

Take what you want
in the dresser.

Thank you.

You can have everything
if you want.

What about you?

Édouard is at our man of law,
for a trial started by our neighbours.

Let's talk about the laws.
They're written backwards.

And I would say the same
of the ten commandments

even if God supposedly
dictated them to Moses.

- Now, you're exaggerating.
- What?

Not so much.

You approve of He who defends
you from killing your neighbour?

It's disparaging.

As if men were savages.

We should have said:

« You will care for the life
of your neighbour, and protect him. »

And the sixth, oh, that one...

It takes the cake.
And it's taught in catechism...

And to children.

« Adultery shalt not... »
What crudeness!

Shouldn't we rather say...

« Respect marriage. »

Spare us the seventh.

I've already bothered you enough.

But I insist one last time.

The most sacred thing in the world...

Is marriage! There...

Miss... She's fainted.
Come quickly.

She's going to die.

What has she eaten, today?

- The usual.
- What's that?

Just like you.

Pike, deer meat.

Come closer.

Tell me the truth.

She wanted nothing. Nothing.

I tried to beg but
she wouldn't eat anything.

Not even a small bite.

But the plates
came back empty...

She demanded that I eat
and leave nothing.

Since everything
was so good, I...

Ottilie!

Promise me you will live.

I promise you.

Forgive me from
the skies where you are.

I'm sorry.

I beg you, miss.

If you only knew
how much I'm suffering.

All my efforts will amount
to a pale imitation,

and not even that...

What, until now,
was serenity...

Has turned into sorrow.

What can I do?

How to imitate her?

One can't imitate
an inimitable angel...

All my promises...

All these vain efforts
turn against me and afflict me.

One needs to control oneself...

To be a faithless martyr.

Your essential promise...

Is to keep on living
with your wife.

They are now liberated forever.

At peace until judgment time.

How sweet will be the moment
when they are together again.

ELECTIVE AFFINITIES

A film from Goethe's eponymous novel
by Claude Chabrol

Screenplay
Roger Grenier