Original subtitles

The game is over, gentlemen. You don't have to live very old

to understand that the human soul changes direction as quickly as the wind. To talk

about me, for example: anyone who would have asked me, just a few weeks ago,

what I thought about entrusting one's fortune, in this case a single Napoleon, to the chance of

roulette and cards... would be seen to respond that there is nothing more stupid on this earth.

Make your bets please ...A red

Nothing is going well thank you... The bets are made... Nothing could be more stupid...

24. Black, pair and pass. Nothing on the number

To talk about myself again, anyone who would have asked me a few weeks ago what I thought

about ending your life would have been told that there is always hope. I was full of

certainties. Me, Raphaël de Valentin, a young man promised a brilliant future barely a year ago...

At that time, I was twenty years old. I have faith, I mean faith in myself.

Yes, I follow my own belief. ... Epicurus considers that the Gods are

not interested in the destinies of men... and that for this reason it is

very useless to fear them... ...He thus contradicts Plato and

shatters the basis of his theory. Barely out of childhood, I am already in the

fight, and I have chosen the noblest weapon in my eyes: that of the spirit. A battle that, in

my passion, I do not doubt for a moment that I will win... Devil! I'm ordinary! GOOD

! Very good, Pauline! Start again... Your philosophers seem to interest you

much more than my false notes.

I am approaching the conclusion… This is a very difficult passage. Do

n't you smell that musty smell? They

look like catacombs! Unfortunate!… With the wind,

my eighth chapter has already ended on the roofs! GOOD. I surrender, my lesson is over!

Sorry. I'll finish and we'll catch up on all the lessons you want.

Your field of study is very vast... yes...

Student...? No… Self-taught. I'm writing a book.

Ah... On what subject? On the major currents of thought from the

Greco-Roman civilization to our time. I think I have found a very innovative approach...

I even hope to become a reference! A reference? GOOD ! Well well well well well...

And you, what are you studying? Me ? One of the greatest

families in France... that of Duke Henri de Villeret. A fascinating subject...

What did he do that was remarkable? Girls. The youngest is to be married.

20,000 pounds income alone...! You want... ?

Marry him, yes. Yes, yes... The society section is the ideal tool, we know who goes to the Opera,

the theater, who frequents who... I plan to approach the damsel at the Opéra Comique. But I need

a pretext, so well… I’m studying! Your duke, Villeret... He is the descendant

of a François de Villeret who was Henry IV's personal advisor... at least in matters

of horses... and mistresses, too. Tell that to the young girl, it will have a little effect... Can

you tell me more?! They call me Rastignac. Raphael de Valentin. But I'm still hesitant

about my pen name... Aristocrat, then?

No, I only have the particle left... My father died ruined during the Restoration.

Our whole family turned their backs on him... Ah! That’s why this name didn’t mean

anything to me… And what happened to your mother? I lost him when I was eight.

So you're pretty penniless. I plan to become famous with

my book. I promised it to my father on his deathbed. Famous and rich...

And you count on your book for that?... I titled my work “The Theory

of Will”. It is my spirit, and it alone, which will open the doors to glory for me!

Well… I’m curious to see this big day! I'm counting on it! Hold ! I bet you that

in a while, my book will replace the

fluffy intrigues of this Finot in this window! Believe me, to succeed, a well-cut frock coat

is much more useful than ten years of study! I hope to prove you wrong!

Raphaël, the piano lessons you give to Pauline are no longer enough to pay the debts.

Mother ! And what do we live on,

my daughter, if the tenants don’t pay? Your father still hasn't returned from India,

as far as I know! Times are tough… I understand Madam. I

will pay you back everything with interest on the first advance from my publisher.

So you have one? … No. But it wouldn't be long.

First accept sir, my apologies for taking so long to respond.

But nine hundred and fifty eight pages is longer than a volume of poetry... Although some

poets are a thousand or more! It took me three years to write it,

Mr. Moinard! I weighed every word!

Admirable. Such a meticulous exegesis. Who could

have had the idea of ​​tackling such a thought? As soon as I started writing, I knew that

this subject would fascinate the reader. You would make an excellent

teacher. Have you thought about it? ...This is not...publishable?

Publishable!... My young friend, what is publishable are historical novels...

or those of Finot, my best- selling author... See “The Red and the Black”! This

novel caused more suicides among young people than Napoleonic conscription!

You'll tell me, that's fewer readers... Smoke it at both ends! It is much

wiser than writing books. I who dreamed of knowing glory

by my talent alone! I had fallen from a height! Rastignac was right, there are other,

more effective, ways to make your place in the world!

But I didn't want to grab any of them. And now, for me, it was too late.

Merchant… ? Is there anyone...?

Yes. It’s time to die… “Die”…?

Good evening. Good evening. How can I help you?

I would like to buy the gun that is in your window. How many do you want?

I will sign you an acknowledgment of debt and my servant will come and pay you in an hour.

In an hour...? He'll be too busy cleaning out bits of your brain.

…No, not al all ! You are young. What have you experienced that was so

terrible to inflict such punishment on yourself? I am simply… in the deepest misery

. My hopes have all been betrayed... You mean... your desires? “Wanting”

burns us, and “Can” destroys us. And behind all this lies the

greatest evil: vanity... I am not vain! I have

ambition. …/… Finally, I had… Whatever the name. Only the spirit makes man grow.

Knowledge and knowledge have not even nourished me, Sir!... Poverty,

debts, hunger, humiliations, these are the real vices! And this is what drives a

man to desire death! Do you really want to die?

So maybe I have a nicer way for you.

Look here, in this box... ...is a Peau de chagrin.

It’s the skin of an evening primrose, these Eastern donkeys to whom the ancients lent magical powers…

A Skin of Sorrow? “Desire, and you will be

granted. »…Is it Sanskrit? A scholar...

Do you have to rub it for a genie to appear? The power of the Skin of Sorrow...has a price... With

each wish, depending on its importance, it will shrink. And your life will be

shortened accordingly. You will not live to be old. A piece of skin that would allow you to end your

existence in a delicious way? This cannot be! Are we not here on earth to

gain eternity through our suffering? Others than you, just as desperate,

did not have the courage to take it.

Because once sealed, the pact with the Skin of Sorrow cannot be undone. There is no going

back possible. Even if you have regrets... Regrets... What regrets could I have?!

Well, I'll take it! regrets...

You just sealed the deal. Now put it to good use.

Even if it means dying in pleasures... Yes, may the Skin of Sorrow

give me everything, immediately! Recognition, the most beautiful women and a king's dinner with

silk and gold dishes, a feast, an orgy, nay, a bacchanal...!! I

want it all tonight! Well … ? Did you think you would see my floor opening

under your feet to offer you this banquet? If it's as magical as you say!

Your first wish is so vulgar that the chances of life will take care of fulfilling it.

Ah, enough of your nonsense, old man. Reason has left you

to believe in your speech. But mine is intact and I'm going to leave right away!

…I can't take it back. Now she is you.

Thank you, Sir. But I don’t believe in God or the Devil… So the Skin of Sorrow! Farewell,

Sir. OH?!!!…

You almost made me pour! What is happening?!!

Raphael?? Oh but what a damn coincidence!... Well, you're

at the right time, old man, I'm taking you to dinner! No… Not tonight… No.

Well, yes, this evening, precisely! We are all invited to Taillefer… And you too!

Come on, come on! I already regret

letting myself be taken to Taillefer by Rastignac. Even my will to die has no

strength. What a pitiful spectacle I present. So, you are certainly wondering: what

can a banker like me do in creating

a newspaper! Have I lost my mind? Eh ?! Certainly, because I decided to invest

200,000 francs... That tells you if the “ Contestant” is close to my heart. But this

journal is not just any newspaper! I want him to be free... and libertine... relevant...

and revolting... and that he brilliantly undermines the narrow good thinking which is

gradually suffocating our country like a boa... ...and of which I myself am a fine example!

I had to choose an editor to lead this

battle. A pen that knows how to scour with style and assassinate with elegance…

For that, I consulted an expert in matters of perfidy, I’m talking about my dear Rastignac…

Let’s raise our glasses to this man who will know how to infuse his devastating fever and whose

Rastignac will inspire me breathed the name... I name Raphaël de Valentin, our new editor-in-chief!!!

It would have been a shame if you missed that, right...?! Such a prestigious position at your age…

Are you happy? Very.

Uh...Yes...uh...Thank you! Fortunately, he is

better at writing than speaking! Come on, my friends! Let’s go

to the table if you like! So you are a

famous journalist! What a great job! Come and tell me all about this over dinner. I'm starving, aren't you?

It's funny... You see, a few hours ago, I thought that luck had deserted my

life... And now I'm offered the editorship of a newspaper, I find myself in the company

of a goddess ... I am entitled to a king's dinner, nay... to a bacchana... But so what?

What is this ? A fable... Do you really have power...?

Help me hold the edges. Is it a game?

Let's say that, yes... Don't move. But what do we gain?

This is its size. And now I make a wish to be rich, it can't hurt... Rich,

you hear? Can you explain...? No.

It's a stupid game, after all.

We have better things to do. Let's go to dinner! You're not like the others! I like you!

Are you Raphaël de Valentin? Son of Camille and Emile de Valentin?

Himself yes… Maître Cardot, Notary. Mr. Taillefer

summoned me to draft the statutes of the newspaper. On this occasion he mentioned your name, I knew

I would find you there. My congratulations... Yes...I am very honored by the trust that

Mr. Taillefer has in me... It's not about that,

Sir. You are rich now. Very very rich! Are you kidding?

It’s a faculty that is foreign to me. Major Flaherty, does that name mean anything to you?

The major... yes yes yes yes, he and my father were very friends but they lost

touch when the major went to live in London. The major died. He had no heir,

and having heard of your troubles, he decided to leave you his entire fortune. If I

may… Here’s a taste. Six thousand ingots like this

are waiting for you in a bank in London, as well as many property titles...

I knew I was betting on the right horse! But there, my old man! You are

breaking all records! We always supported you

in times of failure, Raph! Eh ? Raphael, marry me! I swear to you,

I will share, you will have all the mistresses you want!

I think I lost my editor... Raph...? Raph! What...?

But wait! Wait! You forget that...! What do you have?!

In one hour, you became king, Raph!!! Do you realize?! What are you going to do

with all this jackpot! " Do "…?

Everything that happened last night, I made a wish! And this little piece of leather did it! And he

shrank! Like the blind man told me! What are

you talking about ! Did the shock and the alcohol make you lose your mind? Appoint me administrator

of your property, friend! I will make good use of it! Yes ! It's okay, it's okay! Damn it, you

bunch of opportunists! What a bunch of raptors!

But no one knows you like me! You're right ! Joy troubles my

brain! I am rich, immensely rich! We'll see what we'll see!

Ah Ah! I like that better! Demand everything, and get it. It is

a pleasure that few individuals can taste, even if they are lucky enough to live several lives...

Mr. Marquis, the Prince of Asturias invites you to supper this evening, and tomorrow Mr. Oblitz

will come and present to you the most beautiful pieces. Perfect ! Thanks Jonathan.

If I may, Monsieur le Marquis… The house is magnificent. I am sure

that your father would be proud of you. I can tell you now,

he was worried at the end of his life... I'm sure that, from up there, he admires you.

Really ? There's nothing wrong with it though! Mr Marquis...

My existence would be short, but still longer than if my path had not

crossed this strange antique dealer... Luxury rather than poverty,

pleasure rather than displeasure, excess rather than deprivation...

Pleasure is my motto, the only law that I obey...

Ah yeah... Eloise... Hum... pretty name and pretty breasts... And I don't know any deeper pleasure

than imposing it everywhere around me... ...There is also and above all… Glory! Which I place at my feet like a rebellious female dog finally subdued!

Nothing can resist me. Today I can repair all my wounds.../... But one

wound seemed impossible to heal... ...Because to be honest with myself, it was

n't the publishers and my literary failure that had pushed me to take the Sorrow Skin.

The motive for this desperate gesture was something more intimate…deeper.

It's been ten days since he set foot outside, and he refuses to eat...!

Use your key. My poor boy... what a state you are

in... because these evil publishers have refused your book... Ah! Raph! If we first published the

books for their content this would be known. Leave me.

Oh ! Oh but I thought you were dead! Good God, what pride... It's a loser's thing, that,...

Pride... Go away!

Would you rather die slowly in this mess? Yeah, I understand you…

Go away, God!! Are you repeating yourself, for

a scholar... Raphaël?... Look at me. What do you see?... The greatest good-for-nothing that the

earth has ever borne! We agree! Well this good for nothing has all of Parisian society at his

feet, they can no longer do without him! And I haven’t finished going “up there”. I

will soon be a duke... while you...! Yeah, I know your theory!!!

Oh, no, no theory there, just common sense! Do you want to become rich, famous,

admired? Well, you're doing it very wrong!... Come on, get out of this bed, get upright... Come on!

We're going to start with a quick visit to my tailor...

I don't have a penny! It's perfect! You

will get into debt like any good man and you will gain the respect of your banker...! Already that…

Where are we? At Fédora de Malicante… Parisian

half-Russian, Russian half-Parisian, friend of the arts and letters. It is said that she has nearly

eighty thousand pounds in income. How ? Mystery ! No one has ever seen her husband,

the Count of Malicante, and even more surprising : she has no known lover. Everyone

who came into contact with it got stung... Here, you are at the center of the world... Excuse me...

Listen. I have no desire to meet this countess... and all these people are ridiculous!

Who talks to you about desire? Do you want to be published yes or no? Do you want to become famous, yes or no in

the end? Be careful: I'm introducing you to the most prominent literary salon in Paris,

but it's up to you to stay there, old man! Don't waste your chance or I'll strangle you!

Sorry, Rastignac, thank you, but really, it’s beyond my strength.

Raphaël leaves the living room to pick up his hat, but when he opens the

door, he discovers an adorable young woman. Fedora, 24 years old, a dream body, feline eyes,

lips to die for. Beauty incarnate. She notices Raphaël, whom she does not know.

Raphaël senses that it is the mistress of the house but continues, determined to leave.

They cross paths. Already…? Sir…?

Raphaël de Valentin, Madam. Countess Fedora de Malicante.

You are in a hurry not to present your compliments to me, Sir.

Sorry, I have no talent for flattery. You have a certain tendency to be

unpleasant from the first moment. I told you, I don't belong here...

Well then, be unpleasant, since you seem good at that... Yes,

well... find a fault in me, without even knowing me. I will blame you and will be

delighted to see you leave! A fault? … I don’t know if I

could… Would a blemish suit you? A defect?!... A defect, yes...

Your physical perfection. It makes an image of you,

and this image tyrannizes the being who inhabits it. Wonderful. Please continue. Come and let

me introduce you to some friends... Tell me, Monsieur de Valentin,

what do you do for a living when you're not being unpleasant?

I am writing, Madam. I do n't think I've seen any of your

works in bookstore windows, however... I'm currently finishing an essay on the major

currents of thought from Greco-Roman civilization to our time.

This looks absolutely fascinating! For those who don't only delight in

sweet romantic intrigues, certainly ! But that’s not your case, is it?

Here is a candidate worthy of your talent, Monsieur de Valentin!

At least classical literature provides its model, that of the honest man who

knows how to demonstrate restraint, openness, and curiosity without being pedantic. He is courteous and

knows how to please, both through his appearance and through his speeches. Fortunately, we are a long way

from all these new romantic heroes, most of the time fat and narcissistic!

When you don't know what you're talking about, decency is to keep quiet, sir!

Please stop this...verbal diarrhea. Diarrhea... ?!

Raphael de Valentin. Monsieur Baron de Verneuil.

Sir, what is the most “consistent ” thing you can tell us about romanticism?

Yes ! Be “consistent”! Or immediately disappear underground! This is the

rule here and I am responsible for applying it! Romanticism is the golden age of prose.

It shakes up the decorum of our materialist and conformist society to make us

discover unvarnished the interiority of being. Yes, the romantic hero is not afraid of being

prey to doubts, melancholy and disillusionment. It is not infallible. His dream

is to overturn this world of appearances, and to bring us back to the two essential qualities of man,

which should also be those of literature: humility and humanity.

He is the spokesperson for a generation full of hopes and ambitions to change

the world. But given your great age, how could all this not be foreign to you?!

I had just successfully entered the world. Rastignac was right. Basically,

it was easy. But I was no longer thinking about it, I had met Fédora.

Look at these jealous people! It must be said that this is the third time we have gone out together this

week... What demon pushes you to make me the companion of your evenings? Haven't you had

enough of my murderous little sentences? They are certainly spicy. But so much more

real than the conventional compliments of young careerists who only want my money...

Speaking of careerists... Have you read my book?

The dedication only… A lovely tribute to your father… I can’t wait to start it.

Being the favorite of the most courted woman in Paris was a sensation

as new as it was delicious... But all this had a price...

Oh! Soft in the corner...! Damn, fortunately it’s not an organ!

Slowly, you will scratch it! Yes, well take my place with your big arms!

And our lessons? What will we play on?! You know enough to please a husband.

But it was your mother’s piano?! I have to get rid of it. It's too cumbersome...

It's going to clutter up the Pawnbroker, yeah...! Let's

go! Let's go! Hurry up! Did you like dinner?

It was delicious. But I don't know if I will be able to accept other invitations

from you. I should not give in too frequently to these

easy pleasures to which you indulge without remorse. You will be angry, I still haven't found

a moment to read your book. But I refuse to ask you for forgiveness, of course.

So be very, very unpleasant with me, my dear... There's no hurry... Besides, it's up to me to

make amends. I had a wrong idea about you... You are the most exceptional being

I have ever seen... Great words to say that I

am your friend! You are better at sarcasm than compliments, my dear!

Don't talk to me about love, Raphaël, it's a burden I don't care about.

What am I doing here, then? Only your friendship is precious to me. Do

n’t ruin everything like everyone else. Know how to be content with that.

And then... I learned that the Duke of Navarreins was your uncle. You

didn’t tell me anything about it… I… I don’t see him much.

It's a shame. He has many connections in St. Petersburg. He is the only one who can

have my marriage with the Count of Malicante recognized by the emperor.

Your wedding? Yes. He made my title and I stick to it.

GOOD. I will talk to my uncle about it tomorrow if that would please you.

What do you think of Raphael? Isn’t your nephew charming?

If you consider him worthy of your society... His father supported the liberals during the Restoration.

He died in poverty... A shame. Did my uncle meet your expectations?

Yes, come, I'll show you my collection... I have some very beautiful pieces from the Han dynasty.

The Duchess of Marigue is lonely. So go and keep him company.

They are all tiring... You, at least, leave me alone.

You are the cutest... I should give you a name! Who do you remind me of,

let’s see…? You are content with a corner of the fireplace, very well behaved and very docile... and when I get tired

of your big teary eyes, I send you back to the doghouse! It’s totally Raphaël,

that… I should call you… Raphaël! How could I have been so blind!

Oh but then you came back whining?! And what do you see?!... A cold monster? A

terrible mermaid. Ah! a gorgon from hell! I already know your lines so,

please, get out. I'm tired. Don't strut too much, Madam!

In a while you will have no more charm than this limp and crumpled rag...

You will end up alone, and without a friend! Money always attracts us

friends. That’s the point of being rich, you age better.

If you only knew all the sacrifices I made...to

touch your heart of stone...infuse it with a semblance of love! I was ready to do anything to...

I told you, I don't want a master! And I love you so little that this scene bores me to death!

Farewell ! Oh, and don’t go killing yourself

because of me, that would be in the worst taste! I doubt any man will ever die for you!

Wait!!...Raphaël...?! What are you doing ? I beg you...

if it's just a question of money,

mom will give you credit!... Don't leave! I found a job in Orléans...

Orléans... Is it because... of a woman? No ! What will you think!

Whatever it is, it doesn’t deserve your suffering! There are so many other women who

could make you happy! .../…You… You are a beautiful person, Pauline. Bye.

Here… Take it… for the journey…

Coachman! At the rue Mouffetard gambling house! the red 36 even and passes...

Pauline's Napoléon could have saved me. But everything didn't matter to me. The pain Fedora had inflicted on me

was such that I had to hit rock bottom. Without giving me any chance to go back up.

Thanks to the Peau de Chagrin, today I can do anything. But how can I reach Fédora as

deeply as she had managed to reach me? She who never seems to

feel anything for anyone except herself when she admires herself in the mirror.

You're going to shrink again, I have a new wish ! There's more to life than money!

YOU ! Yes, me.

Well… ? I have

come to silence a nasty rumor about you… for your benefit.

A rumor...? Not here. Come on…

Okay so this rumor…? I'm coming there. But first,

I have a question... You refused me because I was... poor... Right?

Poor and arrogant. Now they call you rich... And even more arrogant. Are

you hoping to “buy” what you couldn’t get for yourself…?

Oh no, no... buy, no... I just need to desire.

And you're not even going to defend yourself...

See...? My desire goes very well without yours. You're going to... beg me!

Yes ! What is the Countess doing...?

We are brutalizing the countess! My God ! Quickly ! Oh yes!!

Nope… ! Stay there! Forgive me, my dear. But I think people are

watching us. I'll give you the place!

You’ve decreased a lot since the last time!… But it had to be done!

Fedora's new reputation spread around Paris like wildfire! They say that the

poor woman no longer receives anyone and remains cloistered in her home all day! I imagine how much she must miss

the looks that looked towards her with admiration and respect!

Watching a piece of leather shrink inexorably is akin to hell...

I'll leave it there, if you don't mind... Yeah, stop desiring. I think I have everything.

All. I'm going to enjoy it. And enjoy every grain of sand in this damn hourglass...

You didn't expect that, eh! But yes, obviously!

The blind man?!… How did you get in here?! Did you come to lecture me?

No, I was wondering how you were doing. You 've worn out your skin a lot already. So,

do you have everything you want? And even more! I have the glory,

I do what I please when I please... I have even just repaired the affront that had

pushed me to cross the door of your shop... I live a thousand lives in one, since mine will be

brief! But at least it won't be dull! GOOD. Well... So you're a cynic who only thinks about

enjoying everything, all the time. You live a thousand lives where you share nothing with anyone else.

Is it really you, Raphaël? Is a power as formidable as that of the Sorrowskin

only for personal use? You gave me the opportunity

to become King, I became it. What else did you expect me to do?

A King can think about his subjects from time to time...

The big deal... and me? Who thought of me? … My mother perhaps... It didn't bring her luck... The

poor thing died so young. …

That’s exactly what I thought: the interest wasn’t paid, it was sold.

Tell me the name of the buyer,

I want this piano back. It’s impossible…

I tell you it’s very important to me! I will pay whatever you want!

I would like to, Mr. Le Marquis, but we do not keep track of buyers…

Recovering my mother’s piano will be my last wish. I swear.

Your mail and the press Sir... Is something wrong, Mr. Marquis?

No, no, my good Jonathan. A moment of reverie... Ah, the cook asks if Monsieur le Marquis

would like a pheasant with figs for this evening. Desire… No! No, I don’t want anything… Nothing,

you hear? And put this word out of your mouth, I forbid you from saying it.

Well… Mr. Marquis. Jonathan! I want the same menu as

last week, for every meal! And for the whole year! I have no culinary desires,

nor any other for that matter. It's clear ? Mr. Marquis…

Hi Jonathan. Is the marquis here? Mr Rastignac! Monsieur does not receive.

He doesn't want to see anyone. I'm sorry... I... No, you don't have to, old man!

But ! Mr. Rasti…. !

Being so depressed when you have everything is indecency! And even downright immoral,

and it’s me who’s telling you! Are you going to explain to me what’s happening to you?

I deserve nothing, Rastignac! What ? Your fortune?

It wasn’t you who killed the major, it was age… And for glory, you only owe your

success to your “talent”. I bought the

publishing house that publishes my books! So what? You are the most read author of the year!

It’s true, it’s a scandal, because your “ theory of will” is truly boring.

But hey…you deserve it all the more! And the women! All these women

rushing into my bed! Oh no… No! It’s dramatic!

I don't want to anymore, Rastignac. No more desire, no more desire... Nothing.

Like a child who has stuffed himself with too much jam! No, in this case, I only see one remedy:

Fasting!… Take a retreat, go cultivate your vineyard… leave for the desert on a camel!

You're not amusing me! I see that! However, I thought that

seriousness had passed you by!... Here, let's go to the Frenchman, we'll play the Misanthrope, you'll get an idea of

your state. A sad sir who sees everything in black! Ooh! Hey! Who there you are! She dares to

show herself in society again! Did I tell you that I met his knight servant

in the Bois some time ago? He was worried. She

still doesn't forgive herself for the cries of ecstasy that you extracted from her. She wants to kill you, it seems!

... The skin... Yeah, finally, she turns it more nicely...

Who is this beauty? I'm not married yet, maybe I have my chance?

Raphaël...?... Pauline...

What are you doing here? My father... He came back from

India. He was a prisoner for many years but he managed to escape... When he returned, he

was named General to reward him! I love theater! Well…you too,

obviously! And we only meet here this evening?

Obviously, this is another one for you! Pauline... Pauline the sweet... the secret... Pauline...

the generous... Was it yesterday or a century ago?... Pauline...

You haven't eaten anything for two days! Is that it? You're going to kill yourself, Raphaël!

No… Because I wrote the word “End”. I finished “the theory of will”, Pauline!!!!!

It's true ?! Finished, finished? Excellent ! I've been putting a bottle

in the fridge for weeks waiting for this big day! I'm going to get her!

Come...!

“

Both of us Paris”! This is Rastignac’s motto!

Your new friend? " Friend " ? No. Rastignac only has to do it!…

Let’s toast Pauline! At the end of my book!... To my father to whom I dedicate it, as well as all the work to

come of his dear son! Raphael de Valentin! Sit down, you'll break your neck!

What a nice noise... momentum, breath... passion!

To all our hopes Pauline… and those we don’t even have!

How did you find the piece? Magnificent, certainly, but I admit I did

n’t pay all the attention I wanted, I was so surprised to find you here!

Yes, what an incredible coincidence. And thank goodness you are doing much better than the

last time we saw each other! Yes, good fortune has finally decided to

take an interest in me. It was a pleasure

to see you again. See you soon. Father, I present to you Raphaël

de Valentin, our former tenant… But of course! My wife and daughter have

told me so much about you! And then I did like everyone else, I read your “Theory of

Will”! What a lot of work! What a richness! And that all this was written here

makes us particularly proud! Your wife and daughter have been a

great help to me. I would like to thank you... Would you agree to come to my house for dinner tomorrow?

It’s a great honor that you’re doing us here, Sir! We accept with pleasure!

Well, see you tomorrow then. The general had suffered an attack of fever

contracted during his expeditions. Nothing that really put him in danger, but Madame Gaudin

preferred to stay close to him and had convinced Pauline to go alone to the invitation.

Pauline, you are… resplendent. What have you changed?

Um..The dress, the hairstyle, I no longer wash the clothes myself, but apart from that, nothing,

it seems to me... I think I have remained the same. Well, I hope so, because in truth I'm trying hard! We

must never forget where we come from. In any case, you exude

happiness… like a woman in love! But you also shine. You own it all

and more! Your wildest dreams have come true… It must be an incredible feeling!

It's true, yes. And at the same time… You only need to obtain what you

ardently desire to understand that it’s ultimately not so important…

Fortune and success turn the heads of so many people… Certainly your home has changed somewhat

since our modest pension, but under all these trappings you have remained the same. I was

sure that this would be the case. Coffee is served in the parlor, sir.

An initiative, Jonathan? I didn’t order anything in this direction, it seems to me!

Since Monsieur no longer desires anything, I am obliged to

show imagination. I had it brought in earlier,

while you were out. I made Jonathan swear to secrecy... I hope that

you won't hold it against him! But what is this miracle?

I couldn't come to terms with it when you nailed it. I knew that one day your fortunes

would change and you would regret your actions. So I paid the interest. And

when my father came back, I bought him back. It’s extraordinary! I don't know how to

thank you. I was in despair that it had sold! I made a vow to...

Excuse me... I... I'll be right back. Play, Pauline. Play.

Finding my mother’s piano is a desire that costs me dearly, the blind one! …/… Look at what’s left

of the Skin: barely a quarter! It would take me years to

find a memory of my mother... You could have had a little mercy!

But I'm not really angry, deep down. A wonderful feeling came over me when I

thought of Pauline. To love, and to be loved in return… What more beautiful can we hope for?

What progress! Bravo… Ah, well finally a compliment! That’s because

I’ve been waiting for it! No...but you were only thinking about your book! I could see it clearly, I was trying not to

make a false note so as not to disturb you! Pauline… Pauline! I must have been obnoxious... sorry!

No... Afterwards, when I learned that your book was being snapped up, I said to myself: Pauline,

you are the only one who knows all the sacrifices he endured! You deserve your success…!

I don't deserve anything. I couldn’t see what was most important.

Is it for this woman... Fedora... that you left? I heard that you

finally got what you wanted with her... As well as with others...

Fedora was a mirage. Or rather no...no: it was me who was blind, because very close to me

someone deserved much more than me looking at her. Please… don’t play with words,

even if you have a crazy talent for… I’m not playing.

Promise me you won't say or do anything until you 're sure it's what you want.

Promised.

Mom is waiting for me... See you tomorrow... for another lesson?

Pauline, I want to...

Want to? You have shrunk! Again ! But

I didn’t want anything! Nothing, except Pauline... Is it because I wanted her?! Because

I love him?? You take my life for that too! Well... I'm giving back everything... the money, the gold, this house,

everything. But leave me Pauline! It’s beautiful to love… Are

you using her to punish me?! Do not lend me a power that I do not

possess! The pact is the pact. I loved him before the pact! I always loved her

, even if... Yes, I loved her without knowing it! You open your eyes, it’s definitely Raphaël!

Yes! Oh yes, I see your beautiful morals!... I was young, vain, the big deal! Is it

a crime to want to experience everything at twenty?! That's my fault, being young! And my dreams are

crimes!!… What do you know about dreams ? You have nothing to expect or hope for

! You are just killing your boredom by torturing me!!! Am I to blame? You weren't

strong enough to resist, right? Are you… a victim?

Lamentable executioner! Pauline and I will grow old together, I promise you!

I'm not finished! Come back!! I break the pact! I'm breaking it! Do you hear?!

Hey Little!... Come on! …/… There was an antique store, right here, you see?

A man who sold a whole bunch of weird objects... I do

n't see, sir. There’s never been anything like that here! A skin with magical powers can

only be found in a store that doesn’t exist! It’s obvious!

Hey! I didn’t steal it, honey! Look at. Do you see this skin?... If I told you

it’s worth all the gold in the world. That if you take it, you will be a queen! You will become rich,

you will have princess dresses, a castle,... Would you take her?

Even a poor woman is frightened by such a proposition... Only I

was crazy enough... If I could go back in time. Just once.

Goodbye dirt...

Bravo! Superb… Raphael? How's it going ?

Yes. For what ? I don't know. You seem so far away sometimes…

I was thinking about what you said to me: “Don’t do anything until you’re

sure.” And…?

You asked me to be sure of what I really wanted.

Of what I wanted most in the world... Excuse me, Mr. Marquis. Mr.

the Cure wanted to see you right away. It took me some time to

reach you, Mr. Marquis. By chance, my sexton, while ringing the bells, had seen your

initials R de V, painted on your beautiful car ... It was thanks to them that I found you.

Let me guess… You are… the priest of Montmartre!

Exactly. Imagine that our well collapsed just after your passage... What

a collapse! The mason who worked to consolidate it had to redo everything! He found this at the bottom of the

well... This parchment must have fallen out of your jacket... It's old, I thought you'd be happy

to get it back. THANKS ! This is what’s left of a great uncle’s desk pad.

I am flattered that our well attracts a person such as you to our humble parish. It is

said so deeply that the vows pronounced there reach directly into the ear of God...

Jonathan, give something to the priest for the work and the inconvenience... Thank you.

So what wish was so important that it had to reach God’s ear?

This priest... I thought that... I would really like to know him,

this wish... Pauline...

My God but you... you are suffocating Raphaël! These damn...cigars...!

You're not breathing anymore!! I'm going to call a doctor! No ! Ask... some honey herbal tea...

to Jonathan! And go home! Swear to me that you'll call a doctor if it doesn't go away

. You promise me?!

It's not tuberculosis. To tell the truth, I would lean towards the liver... The liver which

would disrupt the lymph, which itself would disrupt... well... everything else...

One of your colleagues who leaves here "leans " towards a mood to the lung, another for

brain compression. Who should we give “faith” to? You are a unique case. As if the

evil was acting at a distance, without any detectable cause. And yet you are

in an alarming state of anemia! What can I do to heal?!

Dry air, sunshine... that could probably calm your cough. But as for

healing… Donate your body to science, it would be a great gesture for

medicine. I would be honored to perform an autopsy on you and maybe I’ll find out what’s killing you.

How long do I have it for? You won't see summer, I'm afraid.

And Pauline? Have you thought about her? Barely married, she would already be a widow...

Was it me who claimed fortune, glory and everything that was most futile?

Hello Jonathan! How is Sir? Better, I hope!

Yes, Madam. Monsieur is not here,

Madam. He gave me this for you. “I can never promise

to be sure of what I do. Farewell. R » Where is he, Jonathan? I need to talk to him!

I don't know, Madam, I swear. Monsieur left without leaving an address... giving me

two years' wages, plus a bonus. He was also very generous with the other members of the

staff... He... instructed his notary to... donate this house... to house an orphanage...

But why? For what ? I don’t know Madam…

This room is very simple. Its only luxury is the view. Look, she is extraordinary,

Monsieur le Marquis. Call me Sir.

Well, Mr. M... Sir! Our house is famous for the

benefits of its cure! You

will see, you will recover quickly here. I sure hope not. I'm not

here to heal! Thank you Sir…

In this wait for the end, everything brings me back to Pauline. …/… Not knowing what she does,

what she becomes, is a torture that I hope to see end as quickly as possible.

Butler, close this window! It's cool. Some

ladies don’t like it! Leave it open. We're suffocating here.

Would it not rather be you, Sir, whose presence makes the air of any place

unbreathable? Close! The “valet” gives

orders...? Servant or... slave, anyway? Tomorrow at six o'clock, I'm your man.

Finally ! That's what we're talking about! We can say

that you are at the right time, Nesles! I'll be there! So what ailment have you come to treat

here? A wound to self-esteem? Everyone in Paris is wondering about

the meaning of your sudden disappearance. When a dear friend who was in treatment here

wrote to me, I wanted to know more... Say instead that you feared that I would die

before being able to avenge your honor? Was it then such an offense to

reconcile yourself with pleasure? Or even to make you discover it?

Poor Nesles… I wish him lots of fun ! Speaking of which, I hope he stepped into

the... “breach”? He deserves a salary, right? He is satisfied with my friendship, unlike

you. You thought you had the right to everything... Wouldn't you have stubbornly wanted to seduce me,

we could have gone very far in the world. We are the same, you and me.

We have never been alike, and today I know how good it is

to love and sacrifice for another. It's a pleasure you'll never know.

Pose yourself as a moralist, Sir! Stand above the crowds! But I'm not fooled.

You look at yourself through me as in a mirror, and it annoys you that my

behavior constantly reminds you of this part of you that you would so much like not to be!

To hell with the bitterness of the past. At dawn, your honor will be avenged and I...

And you? Nothing.

Well… You seem very attached to me ! Will you miss me?

And you, the blind one? Where are you? Are you sulking ? Angry that I'm interrupting your politeness?

Madam... Oh, am I stupid,

I completely forgot to tell you about something last night. Didn't you know

... Pauline, General Gaudin's daughter? Yes. “knew”?

Do you not know that she threw herself into the Seine four days ago? We fished her out, but she's

between life and death, poor thing... A heartbreak it seems. She was abandoned...

I hope it wasn't her you were thinking of last night when you were giving me lessons about

love and life? You see Raphaël: you once again only thought of yourself while fleeing

like a thief. We're not going to do it again... Are you ready?

Here are the weapons, marquis. Please choose your gun.

Let's draw lots to see who will fire first. Heads I start,

tails it’s you. An innocent hand...? Face. You shoot first, Benjamin.

You knew I would have jumped to his bedside if you had told me yesterday, right?

Give up, sir. You will definitely die, since my wish is... to survive you a little. Let

's stay there. Coward !

Your gun was broken. The marquis insists on leaving it there.

Let’s end it!!!

You see… People die for me.

Faster! Faster! My time is running out! His is perhaps even more so.

You're right. What matters is that she lives! Pauline,

I hope that you live a long... and happy life.

Raphael? What does it matter to die,

if beforehand, we have grasped the meaning of our life?

Ah my daughter, what a pleasure to see you smiling like that again!

It’s a true miracle! We have arrived, Mr. Marquis!

Mr. Marquis! Mr. Marquis!

Help! Help, a doctor! Stop shouting like that,

my friend! You are panicking the world for nothing! Hello Pauline. Can I request a

private interview? Thank you God

for this moment that I no longer hoped for! I won't leave you for a single step now! I

will be worse than a prison guard! If you knew how sweet these chains would be to me...

But my time is limited. It’s already a miracle

that we can see each other again. But what is this strange evil?

I left to spare you the desolate spectacle of my decline.

I will love you for eternity... But not by your side, my love... Forgive me.

You must live! What would I do without you? Lots of things, I hope!

Promise me that I will become a memory for you.

This is impossible! Promise me ! This is

the last thing I want on this earth.

Shut up ! Yes. The memory of a first love that was a little crazy,

but which, in the evening when you look back on your life , will not have stopped you from loving again...

Our happiness will be brief... But it will be worth a whole life.