De verbouwing (2012) - full transcript

RENOVATION

I thought you re-lived your whole life
as you died.

I only see how we all...

...never have any real contact.

He's not there any more...
What do I care?

I hate her.

She's a career bitch.

She injects poison into women's faces.
Into her own, too, I bet.

Every now and then
she suddenly hugs me...

...and tells me she loves me.

And feels my face
as if I'm some sort of alien.



Cry-baby!

Swilling down his pills with red wine.

Forever blubbering.

Loser...

Enjoying yourself?

I just saw a classmate of yours.
What's her name... Marije.

Why not talk to her?

She's nothing to me, that cow.

Hey Tom. Just behave, will you?

Don't drink so much.

Your interview...

Right now?
- Yes, right now.

See you later.

Sweet of you to dress up so nicely.



I'm very proud of you, really.

You enjoyed yourself, too, didn't you?

You're not okay?

All those people...
It's all a bit much for me.

Jesus Dad, cut the crap.

Tom!
- What? It's true, isn't it?

I want to leave.

In that case, I'll go.

But it's my day.

Sorry, but I...

Alright, you go. I'm staying.

On your own?
- Yes.

There's some champagne left.
I'll celebrate on my own if I must.

Tessa, come home for a drink.
- Please, go.

I'm staying here.

I thought it was you.
- And I thought just the same.

Where's the rest of the family?

Gone home early.

Not a quarrel I hope?
- Oh no.

And your... erm... family?

That was just an acquaintance.

I saw you on TV. You're doing well.
- Thank you.

What are you doing these days?

I'm a building contractor.
And I invest a bit in real estate.

I'm finding them a bit of a nightmare,
contractors.

For a year now I've been living
in a workshop of straw and loam.

And all I have to cook on
is a pitiful camping gas stove.

But wait for the result!

Then you've hit on a wally. I build a whole
house from scratch in six months.

Cheers then...
- To our reunion, Tessa.

Yes?

Tessa, I'm totally...

I feel so miserable.

Why don't you simply go to bed?

I wanted to have a drink together with you.

I'm waiting here for you,
is that so silly?

I'll be there.

Why is it taking so long?

What?
- Your house.

I don't know if I should tell you.

Is it a secret?
- No.

My husband's at home after a burn-out.

He wanted to do some manual job,
to build something.

Shift bricks, dig in the earth, do wood-work.

He wanted to work with natural materials
and put all his love into it.

So you said: good idea.
Start demolishing our house.

No...

I didn't give him a sledgehammer
and tell him to bash it all in, no.

When he was doing a course
he met a contractor who'd help out.

What kind of course?
- Never mind.

Don't be ridiculous.

The Return of the King.

For men who've become impotent?
- No.

Men who want to work on their identity.

And there he met this holistic contractor.

Then they started the renovation.
- And you're still eating sawdust.

In case you need help.
I'll take over tomorrow if need be.

But you can also call me for other things.

I think I'd better go.

Then there's nothing left for me to stay.
Are you here by car?

Shall I give you a lift?
- I'll take a taxi.

I'm here quite often
so I'll walk out of here on my own.

Until we meet again then.

Great talking to you again.

Been home long?

Why aren't you in bed?

Oh, I'm in for another sermon.

I wanted to wait up for you.

Until you got home.

Hi...
- Hello, Hylke.

So, we've got our job cut out today, mate.

Hi...
- Told her yet?

No... not all of it yet.

Told me what?

It's the roof. The rafters
suck up moisture like sponges.

If we don't do something
it's all going to collapse.

What a surprise.
But I'm sure you have a simple solution.

Rogier and I would really like...

...a completely new roof.

We're thinking of a floating construction
of Finnish wood and a Spanish thatch.

It's an extra investment
but the return is tremendous.

We can do a lot ourselves.
- Like you've done so far.

I have measured it so we can order.

Start ordering? Really, you've no idea
how thoroughly fed up I am with all this.

We're way over budget
and we're not even halfway there yet.

You know what? I want a second opinion.

Don't get up on your high horse.

It's nonsense getting someone else in.

But there's not going to be
a completely new roof.

Finish it the way we agreed.

I'm going to have a shower.
I'll go to the clinic for it.

It's Saturday.
- Yes, I know.

What are you doing here?

I was in the area.

Charming.

I heard it was for sale
and I didn't understand.

You can't have heard that.

I've got a five-year lease
and first option to buy.

So my estate agent is talking nonsense.

Why didn't you buy it yourself?

The owner wouldn't let me. I think
he wanted to wait for house prices to rise.

I'll pop in and see him. I'll offer half in cash.
They love that now.

Put a few luxury apartments in.
They sell like hot cakes.

I'm joking.

What's this used for?

Facials. Chemical peelings.
Laser treatment.

Anything that doesn't require carving.

You do that yourself?
- No, I have my specialists to do that.

I do the operations.

Breasts, buttocks, bellies, the whole lot.

Yes.

If necessary, we could do
open heart surgery here.

Speaking of the equipment?

I could do a minor appendectomy.

We're all trained in general surgery
and only specialise later.

Clever choice, plastic surgery.
Gap in the market.

Never thought of that.

You have no idea
how many people get mutilated.

It's wonderful to be able to restore them
as perfectly as possible.

So why did you stop?

All those nightshifts, weekends on duty,
endless staff meetings.

And the money.

And because of the money, yes.

And?
- And what?

You made your pile?

Everything you see,
belongs largely to the bank...

...and the bit of cash that's left...

...goes down the bottomless pit
called renovation. So no...

Yet you're not happy,
I see it in your eyes.

What's that to you?

If your mother hadn't thought me an upstart,
it would have been different.

I don't think so.
- I do.

You became a surgeon
because your father was one...

...and you married a medical type
to imitate your mother.

It was entirely my own decision.
- Yet you're stuck with a burnt-out husband.

Who demolishes your house, spends your
money, and is no help in your business.

Johan, please stop it.

Sorry...

All I'm saying is: if you need help...

I don't need help.
- I'll be there.

You kiss as deliciously as you always did.

Idiot.

I do think...

...it's stopped raining.

Rogier...

Hello.

Hey, Tessy.

Why... why can't you love me any more?

I do love you.

No.

Rogier...

I talked to Head Office. The current situation
forces them to set priorities.

And that means?

Our bank has to cease
doing business with you.

Per when?

Next month.

But I have to pay my staff.
And I've ordered new equipment.

One could tap the market. Or merge.
We feel mergers are the future thing.

The man from MediTech
wants to have a payment...

...before delivering our order.

Tell him to be patient.
I'll phone him next week.

He will think that's too late
and we urgently need the things.

We'll find another supplier.

I want you to do something
to my double chin next time.

I may find a new husband then.
- You'll find one anyway.

You have such a nice husband.
- Yes, he's a darling.

The way he broke off his career
to support you. Marvellous.

Few men can tolerate
a successful wife.

You'd better cherish him.
- I do just that, madam.

A change in the bank's strategy, he said.

So the bank doesn't trust your business.
Whereas I think that the future is yours.

He also said they don't take any risk
if they have any doubts about the books.

You didn't do your own
amateur bookkeeping, did you?

In other words:
you do have a creative accountant?

The renovation is running up bills.

How much?

About two hundred thousand.

Clever.

Why are you telling me this?

Doesn't Rogier know?
Or can't he help you anyway?

And you think I can help you.

I will help you.

Why would you do that?

Because I've always kept that weak spot
for you. And you for me, I think.

Perhaps we need each other.

I've got money and you are
the best plastic surgeon in the country.

I don't mind investing in it:
A new chain with you at the head.

Because you're good.
And you're a woman. That works.

Together, we could be multimillionaires.

No.

It's very simple. I pay off your debts
and you repay me when you make a profit.

You've worked it all out, haven't you?
- Yes.

Yes, I'm your salvation.

Are you married
in community of property or without?

What difference does it make to you?

If we throw in our lot together,
that's important.

Your husband could be financially awkward
if you don't watch out.

You don't earn anything now,
but you're worth a lot.

Listen, I love daydreaming with you
about the future of my company, but...

...don't ask me to get a divorce.

Did you hear me use the word divorce?

How else do I get rid of him?

Well, I don't know...

Hello love, we've something to celebrate.
- What is it?

Funny how sometimes a person crosses
your path who was just what you needed.

I met this lady...

...and I'm sorry but she was
a very attractive lady, too.

She runs a company that brings
Polish workers into the country.

What she said about it sounded really good.
- Wasn't that just what you didn't want?

Exactly, so I did ask if they were used
to working with ecological materials.

She said they work with any material
and that they are willing to go into it.

And they really go in for perfection.

Perhaps she can come round
and provide a quotation.

I thought so, too.

I just wonder if Hylke
will find it a good idea.

Listen, it's our house and our renovation.

Phone Hylke and that lady of yours.

Hi Ellen, can I speak to Hylke?

My condolences.

There's our ministering angel, I believe.

I'm Maugosha Zylicka.
- I'm Tessa van Asselt.

Johan Schouten,
of Condor Building Contractors Ltd.

I'm Maugosha's partner.

Aha, you're married.

No, we're not.
Mr Zylicka...

My husband is dead.

Sorry, I...

You couldn't have known.

What are you doing here?

I thought you might need some support.

Thought about our collaboration?
- I'm not doing it.

I intend to keep my independence.

Independent and in the claws of the bank?
I offer you debt-free independence.

You're still as peremptory as ever.

I can remember you finding that delicious.

However, let Maugosha do the renovation
and it'll be finished in no time.

Her husband ran the company
before she did.

He was probably the victim of a robbery.
A lot of money disappeared.

Was he killed?
- Yes, stabbed to death.

He was found in a burnt-out car.

He must have been up to something.
- Maugosha doesn't think so.

Do you think it's a good idea
to team up with those Poles?

Come on, Tessa, you want
the renovation to be finished.

Those men work very fast and very well.
It'll be perfectly all right.

Is very beautiful, I think.

He's asking when you want them to start.

Now, please.
- Sleep where?

We sleep upstairs,
but you'll do the living room first.

He means to ask
where his men are to sleep.

Do they all have to sleep here?
- Yes.

It doesn't matter where
as long as it's dry.

It must be the custom.

It comes as a bit of a shock.
Do I have to cook for them as well?

No, they cook their own meals.

They can sleep in Tom's cabin
and he can sleep here.

What's come over you?
We can't do that to Tom.

It's only a month.

Sorry, but are we in agreement?
Then I can start planning.

Perhaps you can sleep at the clinic?
You'll have privacy and we can carry on here.

Yes... yes, that's maybe for the best.

Only the best is good enough for you!
I want to see you. J.

Come on, you learn to drink
and be a man.

Yes, darling.
- Tessa?

What did you say to Johan?
- I don't know what you mean.

The men have downed tools
because you don't want to pay cash.

Maugosha is angry and she says
you phoned Johan.

You take decisions,
but you don't care what happens here.

It's a misunderstanding.

You ring Johan double quick
and tell him the money's coming.

Idiot.

Hello, sweet.

Could you send those men back?
There's a misunderstanding.

They claim I'll won't pay them.

I heard as much. I'll see what I can do.

Then will you tell me
you'll team up with me?

You're not blackmailing me are you?
- No, it was a joke.

But they do want to see cash
or they'll start somewhere else.

We have a contract.

Pay them cash and they'll be back tomorrow.
Are you at the clinic tonight?

Why?
- I'll come round at nine with a surprise.

250,000 euros.

Now you can pay your creditors, the Poles.
All that sort of thing.

You'll get the same next week.
- Is this black money?

I made a lot of money.
It's not your concern.

What do you want in return?

Have a guess.

Why worry? There will be a legal contract
and half a million in your account.

This money is our secret.
- Is it drugs money?

Don't be silly.

What am I to tell my accountant
and the bank?

You should have a new accountant anyway.
I've got a very good one for you.

He'll tell you about creative invoicing.

I'm offering you a way out.

Money is freedom. That's my view.
So grab your freedom.

You're selling shares. We're in business
together. Would you rather go bankrupt?

We are going to solve your problems.

Us together.

Your clients deserve top-to-toe treatment
in your establishment.

While you're recovering from an operation
you might as well have your hands done.

I know someone with two beauty salons
in town. Top locations.

You should see them, really.
- It's not a bad idea.

But I'm not sure it suits me. And I have the
ultimate say over what happens in my clinic.

Not you.
- Of course you decide.

But it's nice to do some
brainstorming together.

Do you really still love your husband?

We have a son together.

Soon he will no longer be a problem.

Why's that?

Maugosha can give him
the necessary love and attention.

You are a burden to each other.
You're stifling each other.

You're only with him because you think
he won't manage on his own.

So that's taken care of now.
Shall I have my solicitor draw up a contract?

What's the matter?

I have a premonition.
I wanted to warn you.

What about?
- Maugosha.

It may not be what it seems.
We may be ruining everything. I'm scared.

Sorry, I don't know what you mean.

That I'm ruining everything.

What are we ruining?

Why must we talk about it
in the middle of the night?

I have to get up at five thirty. As you know.
- Never mind then.

Forget everything I said.
Just go back to sleep.

Sleep well.

There you are.
- Thank you.

Kimmy from Kimmy's Beauty Centre.
Great that we're going to collaborate.

That's a surprise.

We have also been thinking about
a beauty concept that covers everything.

Right?
- Yes.

Do you know where I met her?

At a business fair. She was doing people's
nails. So fast, so efficiently. Fantastic.

I thought: That's what
modern Dutch women need.

Beauticians who just do their job well.
No chatter, but scrub.

In my special field, personal attention
is very important.

It wasn't meant as an insult.

I can see why Jo wants you to be in on it.

You have to provide the class.
He thinks I'm too... cheap.

But he can count on me.
As to you, only time will tell.

Don't meddle with things
that concern only Johan and me.

Oh darling, you can't fool me.
You hit the sack with him.

You're fucking your way up.
- Pardon?

I think you're wrong. And anyway,
you're not allowed to smoke here.

They won't say anything about it.
Not if Johan is with me.

And don't think you can win Johan over.
I'm keeping my eye on you.

Johan, can I have a word with you?

Alone.

What's up, darling?

I don't think it's such a good idea.

With Kimmy, you mean?
- I won't do it.

I don't see... What won't you do?
- I don't really want to work with you.

I believe in quality, not quantity.

What's quality when the tax office
enquires about your black money?

Just let me arrange everything
and you will be a rich woman. Understood?

What if I don't accept?

Forgot the contract
we signed at the solicitor's?

Jesus Christ.

Yes?

Sorry about just now. Too much wine.
- Better stop drinking then.

You're right but... They're putting pressure
on me, and I took it out on you.

I shouldn't do that. Sorry.

Who are 'they'?