Original subtitles

THE WOMAN OF MY LIFE

Did you let it ring long?

I'll check up on him.

Let's not take a chance.

I'll call you right back.

- Thank you. - No, thank you.

One moment!

Are you OK?

Yes, thanks.

I spoke to Laura on the phone.

- She tried to call you. - Really? When?

Five minutes ago.

I must have been in the shower. I didn't hear it.

She regrets not being able to come

to the last concert.

We should celebrate this last concert.

We have time. Want something?

No.

Maybe orange juice.

Grab a glass from the bathroom.

This hotel is a pigsty.

Shall we?

Go to bed.

It's late.

- It's occupied! - It's occupied!

Laura!

Laura!

Laura?

Why are you doing this?

Answer me.

Yeah, why?

Because you love me?

So tell me.

Kiss me.

Hold me.

Come on, like people in love.

Get away from me!

What are you waiting for? A miracle?

Don't touch me.

Leave me alone!

Thanks. See you tomorrow.

Can I give my daughter a kiss?

I promised her I would.

Simon might be home.

Simon?

Want me to pick you up from school Saturday?

Go to sleep now.

Dad?

Don't close the door.

I know.

You created the orchestra.

You made it what it is today.

Don't destroy 10 years of work.

- It's either him or us. - Simon will stay

- for as long as I want. - You think you can change him?

You can't! You can't change people.

Are you going to band practice, Dad?

Yes. Mom will be right back. And don't wake Simon up.

He's very tired. See you tonight.

Bye, Dad.

Let's play a game in the kitchen.

Do you know where the bottles are?

Well, do you?

It's a secret. Mom hid them.

A secret? Of course.

I can guess.

You're cold.

Very cold.

Ice cold.

Warmer.

Warm.

You can't look inside!

No! You owe a dare!

- Maybe it's not in the kitchen. - It is. Look some more.

Two, no three dares!

North Pole cold.

Hot. Very hot!

You're getting colder.

Burning hot!

Let's get the bottles.

- Give them back! - You can't open them!

I'll tell Mom! She's coming.

Simon?

Simon?

Stop it!

Where's Simon?

I don't know.

Where is he?

I'll kill him.

What happened?

My kids can't fight back, but I can.

Bernard!

Bernard, stop! Where are you going?

Leave me alone!

- Have you gone mad? - No.

I'm not the mad one. He is and has been for a while.

Now he's dangerous.

What did he do to them?

He hurt them. A lot.

He hit them.

That's impossible!

- I don't believe you! - That's all he does now.

Open your eyes. Look at yourself,

you're going completely mad.

All this for a pathetic drunk.

You never understood Simon!

You never could love him.

Because you love each other?

You call this love?

What do you know of love?

Nothing!

Simon and I are like that.

We love each other like that.

And no one will ever change that.

Do you want to go back home?

Want me to take you home?

I didn't mean to hurt them…

I didn't mean to hurt them…

You have to believe me.

Why are you doing this?

I don't think you'd fit in my pants.

And because not so long ago, I was in the same state as you

and someone took care of me like this.

That's how I sobered up.

I get over benders fast,

that's my strength.

You were pretty messed up earlier.

A minor depression. Alcohol causes mood swings.

This should fit you.

Everything fits.

I was convinced I had a 200 franc note.

I looked everywhere.

Mind lending me the money?

I'll call a taxi

and head home.

Here.

And these are my 2 phone numbers: here and at work.

Call me whenever you want.

I will.

Anyway, I have to give you your clothes back. And this.

What you did for me I could never do for anyone.

See you soon.

- Can I use your phone? - The payphone is downstairs.

It takes 1 franc coins. What can I get you?

Actually you never said what you did to sober up.

All I'm asking is that you don't drink for 24 hours.

It's 8:30.

You haven't had a drink since last night around 10 PM?

So you've already done 10.5 hours.

And that's quite a feat.

But you have to last until 10 PM tonight.

What about tomorrow?

I don't know that word. Today is what counts.

The here and the now.

One day at a time.

- That's stupid. - No, it's not stupid, Simon.

Not stupid at all. Just simple.

A simple solution for complicated people.

Maybe you shouldn't go out today.

- Leaving already? - Yes.

- What do you do? - I build boats.

- Real ones? - Yes.

Listen, Simon.

It's important to keep busy.

I have books and records. Use whatever you want.

If you get bored, take a bath.

And eat. The fridge is full.

Call me if you're having a hard time..

Hello? Is this Laura?

You don't know me. I'm calling regarding Simon.

He's fine.

- Where is he? - At my place.

What is he doing there?

Resting. Getting better.

What happened to him?

Nothing. I assure you, he's fine.

I want to talk to him.

He needs me.

What he needs is to be alone.

Sorry for being blunt.

Who are you?

I know people who can help Simon. That's all that matters.

They have an office and a phone.

Rest assured, they can answer all your questions.

Want to write down the address?

- Yes? - Pierre?

You told me not to go out, so I'm staying in.

Quid pro quo.

I will have a drink.

Not straight, don't worry. I'm dying for a cocktail.

I found tomato juice,

Schweppes and cola.

Now tell me

where you keep the vodka…

…gin and whisky!

- I know you have some! - No, I don't.

You're lying! You hid it!

That's just like you.

I want a drink. Just one. That's not too much to ask.

Have you ever just had one?

You know, I already broke the model.

Please excuse me.

Where are you?

In your living room.

Go to the desk by the stereo.

Ah, you're being reasonable.

Open the second drawer.

Open the second drawer.

- There's nothing but pills. - Take 2.

Are you kidding me?

This won't do! Have you forgotten how it feels?

No, I haven't.

You've done 16 hours already.

What time is it?

2:30 PM.

Which pills?

The pink ones.

Don't wait. Take them now.

See you tonight.

Laura?

Laura?

This isn't Laura.

She's your wife?

She's a friend.

- I don't want her to see me. - She's leaving.

7 PM.

We'll have dinner. You have to eat.

Anyone here for the first time?

Yes. Me.

- What's your first name? - Simon.

- And you? - Do I have to say my name?

Only if you want to. My name is Marion.

Our method is the simplest: no drinking, not a single glass.

Americans came up with that.

A surgeon and an insurance broker.

They formed the first group and got sober together.

It worked for them, it worked for me.

It can work for you too.

I didn't want to come

but my former boss told me about your meetings.

You know him, right?

Mr. Blondel.

Anyway.

Mr. Blondel liked me a lot.

One day, he told me,

"Sylvia…"

Well, now you know my name.

So one day, he told me,

"Sylvia, there's nothing more I can do for you."

It's a shame, I could have used a man like that.

Mr. Blondel is the opposite of Serge.

Serge is my boyfriend.

You have to lend me some money because I really need it.

I can't just stay at home all day.

The other day, we fought over the dregs of a bottle.

Sylvia, we won't lend you money.

You have to.

I'm applying for a job tomorrow

and I can't go like this.

Right?

You know what, Sylvia? If I could not drink for 24 hours,

you can do it too.

LAURA, MY LOVE

I came to get you.

I imagined the worst,

understand?

I thought you didn't want me anymore.

You can't stay.

What's wrong? Say something!

I can't come back yet.

I want to be sure…

sure I won't start again.

I want you to come home.

I want to help you.

I've always helped you.

This time, you can't.

Seeing you hurts. I'm ashamed of myself.

But I love you, Simon!

I don't want you to love the person that I am.

- Let's go home. - No…

- Come. - No!

You don't love me anymore?

I love you too much.

Get out of here.

Don't look at me.

What can I do?

Leave me.

It's my only hope.

Wait for me.

We're crazy.

Utterly crazy.

What will you do in Brittany?

What do you normally do with a boat?

Put it in the water?

Take me with you.

You started all this, don't desert me now.

This isn't a vacation, Simon.

I can help you. I'll work for you.

I can't stay here by myself!

I've had enough!

I'm thirsty!

Lower the mainsail and raise the genoa.

No! I want a drink!

I can't stand it!

Do as I say!

Stop giving me orders!

I'm not your prisoner!

Anyway as soon as we get to the harbor, I'll run to the bar!

You piss me off!

You're wasting your time! It may have worked for you,

but it won't work for me!

Even if it did work,

how could I live afterwards?

Answer me!

Because I haven't done anything sober in years!

Yes, sir! I need it to play, to go on stage,

to make love to my wife, to fly, to take the train,

to practice!

A drink because I've always had one.

Because I've always been scared!

Scared of everything!

I don't even remember life before alcohol.

That sail is going to rip.

Simon!

It will work!

It's the only way I can thank you.

I can do it! I will do it!

Ready to turn? We're heading back.

Must be beautiful here at night.

Don't you ever do that again, Simon.

What possessed you to scream like that?

I really believed you had fallen overboard.

You can collapse on stage and get up again.

There are no second chances at sea.

Who was it?

Do you know what I realized?

We'll never get drunk together.

Too bad. I'm sure we'd have had a good time.

It was Marion. She says hello. She'll be here Thursday.

Why don't you live together?

I'm used to living alone. So I don't know.

I sometimes have affairs.

I could never resist women.

Well, I never tried.

You never told me about your wife.

You never told me about your wife.

You're lucky, Simon, that Laura hasn't left you.

My wife wasn't around the day I stopped screwing up my life.

Every day I delay calling you.

Because it's the time I enjoy the most.

How are you?

You're quiet today.

I'm OK. I'm listening.

It's been 9 days.

I've been sober 9 days.

Nine days without you.

It's good that you left.

I'm starting to hope you won't come back.

Simon…

Please don't call me again.

Hello?

Oh, good evening.

No, Mom is out.

She'll be home late.

OK.

You shouldn't have come back.

Why did you?

- I can't stand losing you. - No, Simon.

It's too late. We've hurt each other too much.

Let me forget you.

I want to wake up one day without thinking about you.

Laura, I'm asking you to believe me one last time.

I'm doing well and I'll keep on getting better.

I fought for it and will keep on fighting.

I want to live with you.

I want us to be happy together.

Where were you?

What's going on?

Simon is here.

He just got home.

Where is Simon?

We should go home. It's getting late.

- Why? What about dessert? - I said we're going.

Come with me, Éloïse.

I wanted to stay with you.

He said

It's our only hope.

I can't live without you

You are the woman of my life

It's our only hope.

I can't live without you

You are the woman of my life

- Finished your homework? - Yeah. Is this for me?

- No. For Simon. - He'll be home late.

He said not to expect him for dinner.

Hi. You've reached…

Simon bought an answering machine.

You can always call 42 88

33 52 where someone will always answer your call.

You can also leave me a message and I'll call you back.

Thanks for calling.

Simon, are you there?

You must be out.

So I'll see you before you get this message.

I just got home from Brittany. Don't forget London's book.

See you real soon.

It's for you.

Good, you?

Yes.

Laura was just leaving. I'll call you back.

Who was it?

Pierre.

I'd like to meet him.

You should invite him for dinner.

Not yet.

Why not?

I need to be alone with him.

I decided to tell him my life story.

What do you tell him that you can't tell me?

Nothing.

Nothing you don't already know.

I just don't want to make you relive it.

As you wish.

That was me, 5 years ago.

I was good. I'll never be that good again.

Yes, I'll help you.

No.

I don't want to spend 10 hours a day

relentlessly practicing violin

just to get stage fright.

All that for 20 minutes of happiness.

You're scared.

I am. I just told you I was.

I feel like a new man. A man I don't want to kill.

For now, I'm more important than the music.

- But music is your life. - It was my life.

I can't live like that anymore.

Then how will you live? As my lodger? With room and board?

Shut up.

I know what to do.

Let's call Pierre.

Tell him, "My wife is rebelling. What should I do?

"What's the solution?"

And afterwards I'll talk to him too.

I'll tell him that I don't understand you anymore.

That I'm not equal to the task.

I'm sure he's heard this before.

He'll know. He'll tell me what to do.

Don't you want to call him?

Maybe you have the solution.

I hadn't planned on being here tonight,

but I'm going through a rough patch.

It's complicated.

I felt I should come

and I'm happy to be here with you guys.

- That's all. - Thanks for being here, Simon.

- And how are you, Sylvia? - Fine, thanks.

I just want to listen.

Thanks.

- How are things at home? - Serge left.

I know him, he'll be back.

Why are you looking at me like that?

I remembered our first time here

and how you were.

I'll never forget that night.

You've changed a lot.

So have you.

I'll never forget it either.

I rushed home.

But this time, you weren't here.

I went to see Jacques.

He was playing tonight.

I signed with Jacques

for the orchestra's anniversary.

He'll conduct the Triple.

Like our first concert, 7 years ago.

Beethoven's Triple Concerto…

With Bernard,

Xavier

and you.

Don't bet on it. I won't play.

We created this orchestra together.

It was our dream when we were 30.

If you decide not to play, the dream's over.

And it'd be the end of us.

Sounds like blackmail.

No.

It's not blackmail.

It's a love affair.

- How goes it? - It goes.

- What's this? - Dried fruits and sugar.

For a snack. I always bring some when I have day camp.

Thanks, sweetie.

Let's get going.

Hello. You've reached Simon. I'm not in,

but you can call 42 88 33 52,

where someone will always answer your call.

You can also leave me a message and I'll call you back.

Thank you for calling.

Simon? It's me.

It's Sylvia.

I'm not doing so well, Simon.

- I can't do it. - Sylvia? I'm here.

Sylvia? I'll be right over.

All will be fine. Relax. Draw a bath. I'm coming. Wait for me!

- You can't go! - Sure, I can. She needs me.

Trust me, I'll get to the rehearsal on time.

Don't go.

Sylvia?

Sylvia?

What are you doing here?

- I want to see Sylvia. - She's not here.

She upped and vanished.

I know she's here. She called me. I want to see her.

Ah, you're her savior.

Your bullshit doesn't work, you know.

So beat it! You've bothered us enough.

I said clear off!

Help me.

Help me!

Don't leave me alone.

Don't leave me alone.

He'll be here. I'm sure.

- No, he won't, Laura. - He can't do this.

Yes, and it won't be the first time.

Why did I let you talk me into it?

You were perfect and admirable. You fought a losing battle.

Stop it. Something must have happened.

Give it up. We only have 3 days to replace him.

No.

I'll bring him here in an hour.

I know where he is.

THE CITY'S SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA'S 7TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

I didn't know you were a real musician.

I thought you made it up like I do.

Please forgive my tardiness, Maestro.

Can I speak with you?

We're all interested to know what you have to say to Bernard.

We're listening.

Wait.

Good evening.

My name is Sylvia and…

I'm an alcoholic.

This isn't a bar or a mental asylum.

Please leave.

Disappear.

We don't need a violin for tonight's rehearsal, Maestro.

From the top.

Miss?

Good evening. You can go in.

I can get you coffee, if you want.

You don't look so good. Want to sit?

Sure there's nothing I can do for you?

This is the phone number here.

Could you make some coffee?

How long has it been?

Thirty-seven days.

Now I'm back at square one.

Too bad, we had stopped at the same time.

You have to go back, they're waiting for you.

No. No one's waiting for me.

You have to play, Simon! You have music. I have nothing!

I'll come to your concerts.

Swear you'll go.

He won't.

Ever again.

It's all my fault. Don't blame him.

- I'll go. - No! Stay here!

I'll sleep in the next room.

I won't close the door.

What are you doing here?

Have you gone mad?

Thanks. Go to bed.

I'll wake you up tomorrow.

Sylvia's not as sick as she looks.

Good night.

Want some?

Don't make us go through this again.

You have no idea what she's going through!

That isn't the point!

This is about me.

You humiliated me in front of the whole orchestra!

And you did so knowingly

and cold-heartedly!

I could never forgive you.

I don't… recognize you anymore, Simon.

You became a stranger.

You liked me better before?

I love you, Simon.

I love you!

Not here, not now.

Come.

I have to stay by her side.

She needs me.

What about me?

You're strong.

I'm fed up.

Fed up of being strong!

Where are you going?

Come in.

Now will you tell me…

"There was a long rumble of sound

"and it seemed to him that he was falling down a vast

"and interminable stairway. Somewhere at the bottom

"he fell into darkness. That much he knew.

"He had fallen into darkness.

"And at the instant he knew, he ceased to know."

Who do you think has the most shoes? Your daughter or me?

We both have as many,

which makes no sense since her feet are still growing.

Give me yours.

Stop it.

Don't force me to get them!

Ah, it's still raining.

Where did these pumps spend the night?

Have you been drinking?

No! I'm invincible now!

I've resorted to emergency techniques.

Don't you want to know what they are?

Page 48: "Emergency techniques to fight the urge to drink:

"Hot, sweet beverages!"

"Go jogging." I did so at 2 AM!

"Take a shower." I took 2!

"Shave." I have. Feel this.

"Read some literature." I have as well.

I re-read a very interesting chapter.

"Avoid emotional conflicts

"and depressing situations."

Where were you?

I don't want to talk about it.

Have you seen the state you're in?

I told myself that if you hadn't come home by 6 PM,

I'd consider asking myself if a drink would soothe my pain.

And that I would find out at 7 PM.

And by 8…

It's 6 PM.

Thank you.

Thanks for being here.

Laura…

Won't you tell me?

- No. - Will you do it again?

I don't know. One day at a time, just like you.

Let's split up, Laura.

For a while.

And then what?

Then, I don't know.

Where will you stay?

At Pierre's.

Sure you don't want a ride?

- No, I'll be fine. - Do you have money on you?

Sure.

Promise you won't drink this.

I promise.

My little sister.

Yes?

Ah, Loreen.

Laura?

Did the charade you played last night turn you on?

Fucking me without saying who you were.

Simon is leaving me.

He wants to stay with you.

So tell him you can't put him up.

Make something up or I warn you,

if you don't, I'm capable of anything!

- Give me my Simon back! - Simon isn't mine.

- Give me my Simon back! - Simon isn't mine.

- He isn't anyone's. - You're the one

who came between us! Everything you did for him

who came between us! Everything you did for him

went against me. You destroyed what I created.

He has no more ambition,

willpower or desire.

You broke him. He's become like you!

All he cares about are wrecks and mad people.

Shut up. You don't know what you're saying.

Yes, I used to be mad, a so-called wreck.

- Let me tell you. - I don't want to know!

I want to tell you.

It's night.

The 2 of us are alone at sea.

You're my loving wife who's crazy about me.

There were huge waves.

At night, the ocean is wonderful,

yet terrible.

She slipped.

At least I think she slipped.

We were both smashed.

I was in the cabin.

I heard a scream, but I couldn't move.

I was so drunk I couldn't stand.

She hollered. She called out to me.

What would you have done? Jumped in after her?

I saw her slip away in the dark.

She was beautiful.

I must have stayed there for hours.

I don't know how I made it back to land.

I never went back on the open sea since that fateful day.

I hug the shore.

No.

Leave now.

She drank 2 bottles of 90-proof alcohol.

And the bottle of perfume too.

It was a present I gave her.

No!

No!

Farewell, little sister.

What should I play for you?

I'm sure you'd let me choose.

You were smiling and full of life the last time I saw you.

I know.

The young woman who was with me,

Sylvia…

She's dead.

When are you leaving, Simon?

When are you moving out?

I'm not.

I want you to.

- Laura… - What I have to say is hard.

So I implore you,

don't interrupt me.

Leave, Simon.

You can go now.

You're strong enough.

So clear off.

Soon,

before I try to stop you.

I didn't know how to love you.

Pierre knew how.

He made you succeed.

With me, you were always a loser.

That's a thought I cannot bear.

That's why if we continue living together,

we'll go back to how we were.

And one day, I'll kill you.

PIANO/VIOLIN/CELLO

We're celebrating the orchestra's anniversary today.

Tonight's concert is dedicated

to Laura Manuel,

our director.

You'll never see her on stage.

But we wouldn't be here without her.

We want to thank her…

for making our dreams come true.

Especially…

for keeping them alive.

I believe this is the best part:

just before going on stage.

Want me to go?

No, please stay.

I decided to close the Paris shipyard.

I'll be moving to Brittany for good.

I'm leaving tomorrow.

Visit me anytime.

I don't know if I'll be able to.

I don't think I will.

You must be Laura.

Pierre.

You're beautiful.

Pierre?

Thank you.

- Beethoven has to be… - Pathetic.

Translation: Magenta Baribeau