Original subtitles

Despite appearances, I have to make a living.

I've allowed for a big budget with commensurate fees.

- Well, just please you. - You're so kind.

Where can I reach you?

At my consultancy, Montmartre 64-27.

Oh, it's you.

Happy to see me, Jean-Noël?

You sure have a nerve.

Do you know how much I got for my Sunbeam?

- 500 cash? - You think it's funny?

Calm down. I'll pay you back a hundredfold.

I can get you top dollar for this bed.

For your Chippendale secretaire, too.

It's not Chippendale, it's Regency.

No matter. I can even move your old Louis-in-the-undergrowth, on paper.

You found a client?

A lady client.

I see.

Nothing's going on... It's serious business.

With you, that would surprise me.

I'm going to really surprise you, sweetie...

Maybe even surprise myself.

- Are you Algerian-French? - No, from Clermont-Ferrand.

But I did my service in Algiers.

Baritone sergeant in the catering corps.

At the colonel's party, I sang Grieux from Manon.

A real tragedy!

I introduced myself at the Algiers opera competition.

Ever engaged?

As manager... to give the 3 knocks.

That's life.

First prize at the conservatory,

I ended up being a pianist in a night club.

You can be an artist in a bordello.

After we have a bite to eat,

we could go to Castel as a change from La Cage.

Yes, the consultancy.

You want to speak to Prince Linzani?

Ah, Mr Langlois? I'll see if he's here.

Someone wants you.

A woman?

Ален Langlois.

It's Mrs Sinclair.

I wanted to sort out the details of our collaboration.

Just one moment.

It's that old dame I told you about.

I'm here.

We could go over it all this evening.

This evening? That could be difficult.

What a pity, I was intending to invite you for dinner.

I'll see if I can free myself.

8pm at Fouquet's?

Then we could go back to look at the apartment.

The electricity is cut.

We'll look at it by moonlight.

It's great for inspiration.

Make out my bill...

Thanks to moonlight, I'll be able to settle it.

It's in the bag!

Mother Sinclair wants to finalise it this evening.

This evening? Where?

Her son, the publisher, is inviting me to dinner.

Sorry about our nosh-up. Have to stand you up again.

As long as you get the deal.

You're a brick!

Wait for me at Castel with Jojo. Dance and have fun.

Not like me with the geriatric.

I'll be as quick as I can.

I'm going to bed. He's not coming.

He's probably not enjoying where he is.

I'm sorry, I couldn't get away.

Getting an advance from the old bird.

- Cash? - No, a cheque.

Tomorrow I'll throw her money at your photo booth.

I'm suffocating.

Take her outside... you'll feel better.

Leave it, she's paid. She's a cool kid.

Take her out.

Let's get some fresh air.

Which one do you want?

Do you like this one?

You're not going to...

Don't panic, we'll just take it for an hour.

The Yank won't even notice.

Engine problems?

Okay, excuse me.

- Going back? - No, we'll keep going.

You're insane. What if a cop stops us?

No risk with me... I'm lucky.

Fresh air, the speed... it's great.

It cleans everything.

Where are we going?

To a place you don't know, by the sea.

You forget I was born by the sea.

You were born near a lake.

The sea has big waves.

Seagulls, wind and clouds that streak across the sky.

Aren't you stopping the engine?

Impossible, the way I've connected it.

Low tide. Lousy for swimming.

How beautiful the great desert of sand is.

So clean,

so smooth.

Shall we run to the water' edge?

There's a long drive.

Too bad, I'd have liked to splash, to dive...

soak myself from head to toe.

You're completely nuts.

I have an idea, come on.

- What are we going to do? - Pinch another one.

We've taken enough risks already.

Let's go back safely, by train.

I knew you'd end up chickening out.

You're ridiculous with your miniature tree.

Paris is covered with fir trees.

The nude dancer on the 2nd floor got an advance.

Empty till and hand on heart.

And on the phone.

- I've had some calls? - Some, yes!

Just this afternoon... half a dozen.

Including 2 guys who didn't leave a name.

The ladies and gentlemen wanted the decorator, Ален Langlois.

I didn't leave the messages in your room.

Did Mrs d'Embrun leave a message?

"For tonight, it's okay." She'll give you the meeting time.

You're abandoning your girl for Christmas Eve?

No foolish bourgeois prejudices.

Сильви and I are beyond that.

Hello, Vera? It's Ален.

I missed you by five minutes at the gallery.

What do you think about the black and gilded bronze desk?

Wonderfully unusual. A stroke of genius.

See you tonight?

Tonight, I can't make myself free.

You're not over with the Femina Award?

There's no one else but you.

But I spend Christmas with my folks. In Sologne. It's a drag!

I would have liked so much to be with you for Christmas.

Lousy luck!

Kisses, sweetie... Merry Christmas.

- You should write romances. - I've thought about it.

One day I'll write a bestseller, based on my life.

I was on the phone for you just now.

For me?

To Vera, at the picture gallery.

To exhibit your works.

I draw fashion figures, I'm not Picasso.

If I had your talent, I'd be turning Picassos out by the ton...

and be rolling in dough.

- Where are you going? - To the agency.

I'll take you, I have Jean-Marc's car.

I forgot my cigarettes, I'll be right back.

Back again?

Tell Evelyne d'Embrun that I'll stop by to see her at 10pm, OK?

- OK. - Ciao.

Gear's grinding. Jean-Marc should have it looked at.

He's way too tight-fisted for that.

Just leave it by the roadside, like you did with the Sunbeam.

Never. That car was a bomb.

This car goes really well.

So you are capable of being faithful?

You are the proof, sweetie.

A little Christmas present.

Don't blame me...

I've been invited by the Chambre Decorators Society.

A Christmas shindig with the big boys of the trade.

You're not going to dump me on Christmas night too?!

Christmas, Christmas...

Chestnut turkey and Yule log...

Doesn’t a girl like you find it disgusting?

Excuse me if I don't wait for you at the agency.

I still have an errand.

Someone important to see.

We leave each other like that, until tomorrow?

Alright then, I'll skip the Decorators' Society.

What does my future matter?

No, go to your dinner.

I'll spend the time working

Isn't that crazy? A party night?

Forget the drawing board.

Go to beddy-byes like a good girl and wait for me.

Tomorrow we'll make love all day.

Hi, long-hair... I thought I'd find you here.

Remember me?

The beast with long teeth. How many tamers devoured?

Any within reach.

Achieving your goal?

I'm getting there. But I need your help.

No kidding? How can I help you?

Tonight, a rave-up will decide my existence.

I thought of you for the right thing to wear.

Funny guy! Want my jacket and my jeans?

No, your tux. I'll bet you have a great one.

I do have one. How did you know?

I know the bourgeoisie... Your father would have given you one.

For my cousin's engagement. A disgusting dinner of bigwigs.

But you too... You're a Ranelagh moppet.

What have you done with your tux?

Flogged it when I was broke.

I don't want to chat you up.

I'm not from Passy, I'm from the outer 'burbs.

On account of your candour, you have my friendship,

my tux, and my patent-leather shoes.

If you can get into them.

I always get into where I want, one way or another.

You, Mr Christian!? And the state you're in!

A natural state, Gaston.

You'd never understand.

Madame will be happy that you're here for Christmas.

Don't say anything to my mother, I'm here and gone.

You haven't seen me, Gaston.

You're wrong, Sir... Come and see the girls' Christmas tree.

Gaston... are you talking to yourself?

If he gets too senile, he'll have to be put down.

My beloved little sisters.

Nice décor.

Unusual buttoning... Like a fucking Cardin.

Dress shirt.

Bow tie.

Shoes.

The full outfit.

It's suffocating in here.

A bit of air!

You're crazy to have dumped all this.

The wheel turns.

The chicks abandon the mother-hen

for the banks of the Seine.

The world is fucked.

I should have been born in this crib.

You'll score yourself a more beautiful one...

when you catch the daughter of the Chicago abattoirs...

or the ex-wife of a Greek oil man.

You're the sort who'll create a new bourgeois dynasty.

That sounds quite plausible.

Sorry, I don't have an evening dress...

For Сильви.

It's a men-only function. Сильви stays home.

All alone at Christmas?

You're in good with her... Ask her out.

And you'd take my suit back to the hotel.

And your breakfast in bed, tomorrow morning?

Where are you going, fair Iseult?

Is Сильви here?

Who are you?

Ален asked me to see her.

The young Mr Big is hard up.

His girlfriend went out, looking excited.

Didn't even say goodbye.

Where is she?

No idea.

But if she does something stupid, Ален can't be surprised.

He comes home at 8am... When he comes back.

She loves him, that's for sure. But does he love her?

Who can tell, with these whirlwind love affairs?

- Like to kip with me? - I wouldn't say no.

It's gonna be fun.

Hands off! It'll be when I want to.

Chris. What are you doing here?

I'd like a word with you.

Say it, slimebag!

It doesn't concern you.

Explain to him that you and I are celebrating together.

Don't interfere with my private life.

Are you really going home with this guy?

Why not?

Do you know who you're dealing with?

He'll take you to a cellar with a mob of people...

with mattresses, curtains, photos of idols.

You're well informed.

I know these guys like the back of my hand.

As soon as you fall into the trap, the whole gang will arrive.

They'll turn up their transistor and the show will begin.

Heard about gang-rape?

Go away!

I can see you're drunk!

We'll go outside... it'll calm you down.

- Let go of me! - Come on!

You're the one doing the raping... And you say you're non-violent!

Did you get yourself plastered because of Ален?

Ален's only a friend.

Did he send you?

I came to La Cage to find you.

Since that Montmartre evening, I've often thought of you.

Me too.

Something tells me you think especially about Ален.

Ален does HIS thing, I do mine.

Everyone is free.

If you feel like it, you can come up.

I would enjoy no pleasure, given only because of someone else.

Using sex as revenge, disgusts me.

Does sex mean anything, in this day and age?

Don't recite that free-love catechism. With you, it does mean something.

I see, Love with a capital L... What a joke!

You all make me laugh. You don't care about feelings.

You pretend to have no hang-ups, to be liberated.

The New Woman. The New Man.

But look at you.

You display more passion, pain and jealousy...

than previous generations.

But we don't do melodrama... we grit our teeth.

"bye.

Сильви...

Listen...

Instead of moping alone... come wake up with me.

Under a bridge?

I'm invited to the home of some amusing friends.

I'm in no mood to laugh.

Stay in the dark, thinking about Ален?

Stop talking about Ален.

Come along.

Dressed like this?

You're fine as you are.

I usually eat like a bird.

But my waistline be damned!

It's not a buffet... it's a table fit for a king.

More champagne?

Not at the moment, thanks.

You'll turn Mum's head, Ugo.

That’s all I ask.

- Is he with the redhead? - No, the little brunette.

Sixteen years old, dancer.

The mother lives here to keep up appearances...

for better or worse.

Everyone is happy... and me, set to weep.

That American tour will deprive me of you.

- Only four weeks. - In other words, an eternity.

My dear Evelyn, do you have what you want?

Everything...

And more, in fact.

Indeed. But where's Charles?

Asleep in my bed, as usual.

You were separated.

In spirit, yes, but alas, not physically.

Like my Thumbelina?

Just a titbit for an ogre like you.

Or an ogress like you.

The caviar is fabulous.

Guaranteed genuine, like the furniture, carpets, guests, everything.

Apart from the host.

They say that Ugo is descended from a pope.

He is the son of a Calabrian stonemason.

He has merit. Started from nothing to get a racing stable...

ownership of a weekly and a private radio station.

Quite an achievement.

A taste for gambling with other people's money.

He keeps his own money in Switzerland.

He's made a fortune out of high-rise apartment blocks.

Made billions out of building dog-box apartments! Clever guy!

He abandoned the dog-boxes

for residential estates named after royal favourites.

La Vallière, Montespan, Pompadour,

Du Barry.

Fake gold and fake marble, for the social climbers.

What's more, our man is a patron of the arts.

He accommodates artists... Painters, musicians, actors.

He subsidizes a ballet company.

A nursery of kittens for the old tomcat.

Remind me of your name.

Oh, Ugo...! This is Ален Langlois, the decorator.

How could I have forgotten? I've admired you since your debut.

Excuse me.

I have a surprise...!

Something new, bizarre... and a bit terrifying.

How can he know me? I've never met him.

Ugo knows everything... it's his specialty.

This is Ugo Castellini...

a cross between Mazarin and Al Capone.

Сильви, no title.

But not without charm or beauty.

I was afraid you weren't coming.

I keep my promise.

The man without a roof and the man with 100,000 roofs.

Just over 200,000.

He came to listen to me sing in Montmartre.

"He showered me with golden rain."

My apologies for not knowing the quotation.

You invited the young ruling class?

I'm the slimebag among technocrats.

They are broad-minded.

And the backbone of power.

- Who is it? - I'll explain.

May I...?

One of your clients, no doubt?

Congratulations... I've seen worse.

You're too kind, Miss.

It's true, from a distance, your silhouette looks very young.

Up close too. I'm 29 years old.

That would be surprising.

I'm being attacked! Defend me!

- Are we on familiar terms? - Did you finish your number?

We want to make a surprise, and everyone knows each other.

I'd like you to meet my sister.

Your sister?

Quite a coincidence...

She's delightful.

And under-age.

I entrust her to you.

Feel right at home. Order anything you feel like.

Scotch, champagne?

A beatnik only drinks red wine at 13 degrees.

And no caviar, I hate sturgeon sperm.

Camembert and meatballs.

Work out how to find what the gentleman asks for.

With the red and the snacks...

...some gob-sticks, no Tampax.

Pardon?

That's Gauloises, no filter.

You don't speak modern French?

It's funny, you never told me about your sister.

Do you ever talk to me about your husband?

A good idea to bring Сильви, right?

It was funny.

Funny?

You ruin my job by insulting those who give me work.

Well you're screwing up my life.

Little bitch.

- Can I remove you, dear colleague? - Colleague in what?

- Aren't you a decorator? - Never after midnight.

For you, I will make an exception.

Excuse me, we're going to talk business.

For my new high-rise, 'La Belle Gabrielle',

I need a nice showcase apartment.

Ah yes, the showcase apartment.

The famous subscriber trap.

Don't believe self-serving gossip journalists.

I never cheat on my clients.

But let's drop the showcase apartment.

It's not worthy of your talent.

How about the decorating for a city of billionaire...s

on Cape Camarat...

near Saint-Tropez?

Without hesitation, yes.

I knew we'd get along.

I do enjoy a fight.

Me too. I was a fighter-pilot.

Langlois.

Where do you live?

Sometimes under a bridge, with Chris.

I like the bohemian, it inspires.

But right now, I'm living in a hotel in Pigalle...

with my sister.

Would you like to be accommodated?

In one of your dog-boxes? Well, thanks.

No, you young beast...

I'm offering to put you up here.

In this hotel?

I offer you a workshop-studio right here.

You'll put your genius to service my city of billionaires.

Impossible, I can't leave my sister alone in Paris.

I was counting on your bringing her here.

I'd be happy to make a room available to her.

Where is Сильви?

I'm not going to lie to you. After what you said, she fled.

That's clever... Just as we hit the jackpot.

Don't get mad at her.

Besides, she was right. Tonight, insolence pays.

- Are you splitting for good? - Call me a cab.

What's going on?

You're just in time.

To say goodbye to me.

You're crazy, you can't leave, just like that!

Let's not make a scene, we're not oldies.

We'd split as good friends. Remember?

Are you leaving over what I said at Ugo's?

No, I'm leaving you o account of everything else.

What else?

Your 'business meetings', your connections, male and female...

my nights of waiting...

and your comings home, stinking of love.

None of this is my business. Shall I go?

You know everything anyway. Call the cab.

It's engaged.

We've always been free.

Freedom doesn't mean to be allowed to lie and deceive.

We either sleep with whoever we like, or we live together properly.

No other choice.

Here in 3 minutes. Miraculous!

Keep your miracles to yourself!

Alright, so I was screwing... but it was just to get business.

Ask Albert how these women are

with a handsome boy without connections.

So I had to play the game.

But believe me, it meant nothing.

At best, as exciting as drinking a cup of tea, or a Coke.

At worst, a session at the dentist.

All this to end up zero.

What do you know? Everything's going great.

So much the better. I leave you doing well.

I've never loved anyone but you, I swear.

Look, I swear to you on my future.

Forget it. The taxi's due.

Thanks for everything, Albert.

Give him another chance.

Listen to him! It's not the time to leave.

Castellini is offering me the contract of decorating for a city of billionaires.

- It's all in you imagination. - I've never been so serious.

I need you.

Before, I chose the furniture alone.

Now, we'll need sketches. I thought about you.

You'll manage, without my involvement.

Waite.

All that shit is over with. We'll be partners.

No, Ален, no.

It's a great opportunity for us both.

Too bad.

Don't be stupid... You'll only feel real love once.

Don't let it blow away.

Listen to him... we love each other!

No, Ален, no.

Should I make tea?

We had supper after the theatre.

Goodnight, Ugo.

Goodnight.

Every night, you're a little more adorable.

Goodnight.

Wonderful evening, wasn't it?

Don't worry, I get it.

Get what?

This whole set-up.

What set-up?

The interior decorating... the city of billionaires...

It's all a set-up for...

For?

To get me into Ugo's bed.

Ugo, in love with you. News flash!

Don't play innocent.

Are you sure of what you are saying?

I haven't noticed anything.

I would have caught a hint.

Didn't you notice his gifts?

Are the dresses, the jewellery for nothing?

What about your suits and your shirts?

- Simply an advance on the work.

There hasn't been much talk about work.

A bit at mealtimes, and such.

I'd nothing to do with the old guy's heatstroke.

If it was heatstroke.

What are you complaining about? He hasn't assaulted you.

It's been three weeks.

His patience will have limits.

You're smart enough to hold out on him.

You take me for a tease, a whore?

You're not thinking straight.

With all your carry-on, you've missed a funny show...

and a very real one, at that.

The maid has taken a fancy to me.

The little Japanese? She's charming.

Chasing after housemaids is for old guys.

I've discouraged her, but she persists.

Aren't you bragging a bit?

You'll see.

In this place, the servants provide night service.

Come in, gorgeous.

Is there something you want, Sir?

Yes.

My leopard-skin briefs... I’ve looked for them everywhere.

You haven't seen them, have you?

No, Sir.

Are you quite sure you haven't seen them?

Briefs or no briefs... go to bed. Be good.

It's the first time that I've seen you be mean...

...just for fun.

If you're going to carry on, I prefer to sleep in my room.

Yes?

No.

Now?

Ален, can I come in? It's me.

Where have you been?

I was reading in the library.

All that time?

Don't you have enough books here?

I was consulting a work on American decoration.

For the job.

What's the matter with you?

What else have you imagined?

You know very well that I'm a night owl.

I'm not one to lie in bed.

I'm coming and going all night.

Do you walk the streets in your dressing gown?

Not on the street, of course.

All over this place.

It's amazing at night!

Galleries, corridors, the great halls peopled with ghosts.

I don't believe in ghosts.

Especially those that hand out dressing gowns.

Meaning what?

Did you find this dressing gown on a suit of armour?

Do you want to know where I found it?

Want to know?

It was the geisha who gave it to me.

Funny cut for a kimono.

Not more likely to be from Place Vendome?

Fucking shit...! Believe what you want.

You thought about it...? No regrets?

No regrets.

You won't hold out... You'll come back.

No, Chris. It's over with Ален.

I've put an end to it.

You'll end up burying yourself in the family vault.

Pass me the suitcase through the window.

What if I asked you to stay...? For me?

Too late.

That needed to have happened when I came to find you.

You only needed to have said the word.

It's better this way. You deny it, but you're heart is elsewhere.

Nothing to be proud of.

The world is stupid, isn't it, sir?

Excuse me?

Stop this young girl from committing suicide!

He must be drunk!

Or drugged, like everyone else.

A single drug, humour, not given to everyone.

I like you, Chris.

I love you, as you love Ален.

So, long-hair, what are you doing here?

I came to see you.

Well, get an eyeful!

You're here at last! We haven't seen you lately.

- I've been busy. - Chasing skirt?

Anything that fell into my net.

Fauna, flora, fish big and small.

With that bitch Сильви out of my hair, I've been making up for lost time.

Careful what you say doesn't come back to bite you.

With her, I was living off empty promises.

Habits, pretenses, lies... the whole puppet show.

- Long live liberty. - Long live love.

Don't play the rebel. You're just like the oldies...

...ripe for marriage, and a new brat every year.

She wanted you for herself, but you want to be everyone's.

Are you plastered?

It's okay, I had it coming.

I'm sorry... things aren't going well.

You'll never guess what I did.

I broke up with Castellini.

I fucked up the opportunity of a lifetime.

Can you believe it? A guy like me.

Do you know where she's living?

No idea.

You? Leave me alone, I don't ever want to see you.

Open the door!

Open it!

I'll stay here until you change your mind.

No point... Go away!

Never! I'll camp in the garden.

All day and night, if necessary.

My parents are on there way here.

So much the better... We'll get to know each other.

I'd rather they don't know you. Let's go out.

Don't think you've won. I won't forgive this blackmail.

Don't be bitchy.

You have to listen to me, so you understand.

Speak, then... I shan't respond.

A question and answer session would drive me nuts.

I've come 1,000 km to find a stubborn chick

with neither heart nor voice.

Does that remind you of anything?

Weren't we happy, naked in that pool?

Judge me, if you like... but don't condemn me outright.

I'm not the best-looking guy in the world, but I'm pretty good.

Not my fault.

In kindergarten, I was teacher's pet.

I had the cross every Saturday.

In high school, mothers of friends ogled me.

I quickly understood.

Women in our time lead the world.

They lead, preside, decide.

Doctors, dentists, stars or CEOs...

...They put you under review.

If you're good for service, you don't get lost in the herd.

It's through sex that they hang on to us.

The great business of modern life.

Selling sex or using sex to sell.

In songs, movies, TV, lingerie...

cars, cookware, politics,

and even religion.

For a kid born in a council flat, it makes his head spin.

I made myself sexy, on demand.

I wanted a lot of money, right now.

Now it's all over.

I dropped that bullshit... and Ugo as well.

He's quite a guy though...

From nothing to nobility.

My aspiration.

After you left, I stayed less than a week with him.

I've been ugly, rude, disgusting,

on purpose for you.

To prove that it's you I love.

But speak, yell at me!

You're wasting your time.

I'll get a job... I'll work at the markets if need be.

Just more bullshit!

That's enough. Come back now.

The Paris train won't be long.

Get up, don't be silly.

We love each other.

Just in time. I wouldn't have moved.

That would've been clever.

Hi, babe.

What a surprise.

Nasty surprise?

On the contrary.

Just tell me what it means.

You don't get it? You're in long-hair's good books.

If you'd discouraged me I would have got a lawyer.

Someone else is always better at pleading your cause.

All the same, you betrayed me.

How?

By giving my address to Ален.

You regret that?

You'll never regret it... or I'll raise hell!

Another pal's car?

No, it's mine.

I've found work.

Car salesman for an Italian make.

They've put me up in a great apartment...

Boulevard Maillot, opposite the park.

I'll have it fixed up. In the meantime, we'll go to Albert's.

- Just for a few days. - Sure.

Hop in!

May I bring my toothbrush?

I'll come with you.

I can trust you to come back?

Is that a question?

A pure marvel of Italian Renaissance art.

Notice the finesse of the ivory inlays.

A piece of furniture of exceptional quality...

in its original state...

good enough to be a museum piece.

Superb in every detail.

The curve of the feet...

the exquisite design of the drawers...

the richness of the marquetry.

Tortoise shell brought back by Venetian navigators.

Can you ship it to Paris?

Yes, ma'am, in a special packaging,

for this unique piece.

May I take a look at it?

Sorry, Sir, I just sold it to Madame.

That's alright... I haven't made my decision.

In that case...

A few scratches.

Restored inlays.

Faulty mechanism.

- Is it signed? - No but...

How much?

11,000.

I saw the same in Monaco, yesterday, with the arms of the Grimaldi...

for 9,000 francs.

Excuse me, Madam.

You are truly incorrigible.

What are you thinking?

Just a matter of business. I know about antiques.

I hope we don't have to hitch-hike this time.

You know very well that everything's changed, sweetie.

Just ask Chris.

Now it's just us...

Us alone.

It's going to be wonderful.

Subtitles by FatPlank for KG