Paris (2008) - full transcript

Khadija.

Do you ever wonder...

where these wires come from?

No, I never wonder
about that stuff.

Well, I wonder.

And where do they go?

- Where is it?
- There.

- The Pantheon?
- Montparnasse Tower?

- The Pantheon?
- No, Montparnasse.

There.

- The Pantheon?
- The universe.



And the muniverse?

The muniverse?

The muniverse is tired.

Where is the universe?

- Mom.
- Where is it?

Everywhere.
The universe is everywhere.

Hello.

Lift your head.
Don't forget your feet.

Your head, sweetie.

At the same time.

There you go.
That's it.

That's the center
of the heart.

The heart's heart,
if you like.

If I zoom in too close,
we can't see much.



Your heartbeat's regular.

The treatment
seems to be helping.

But...

But?

But what?

I don't want to see
the foliage.

Hide the foliage.

Hello.

There.
Now the mushrooms.

That's what makes it
look like autumn.

I don't want to see...

What a ninny.
Unbelievable.

There. Now fan out
the bouquet a little.

- Hello. Feeling better?
- Yes, thank you.

Solene, you had a customer.

Passionate Paris.

Party Paris.
Singing Paris.

Heartfelt Paris.

But also working Paris.
Commuting Paris.

Ritzy, shabby, trashy Paris.

Paris, you have
a thousand faces.

Paris, who are you?

The capi-tail abounds in...
Shit.

- Capital.
- Cut.

Give it a rest, Lorenzo.

This is Roland Verneuil.
I can't make it.

I'm sorry this is
so last minute,

but I'm kind of tied up.

Nothing serious, I hope.

Well, sort of.
I have a burial to go to.

Oh, I see.

I hope it isn't anyone
too close.

Well, yes, in fact..
it's my father.

What can I say?

Nothing.
He's dead, that's it.

I'm just sorry to cancel
our meeting yet again.

You're like some old geezer.

Get some exercise.

Can't those jerks fix
the elevator?

I swear.

They just put in a new one...

When was it?
Two years ago?

- Two years.
- This younger generation.

In shambles before their time.

Dad.

Come on.

Pull yourself together.
Shit.

He was 95 years old.
That's some score.

He died peacefully.

It's not as though...
Come on.

It's hard to leave him.

Come on...

A nice bowl of soup,

a little blowjob from Melanie...
You'll see.

You're dumb.

What's your name, girly?

Let me go.

What did you do?

Did you whistle at me?

No, I...

Like I'm some mutt?

No, sorry, ma'am.

Fuck.
Beat it, asshole.

So?

-What is it?
- Come in.

You sounded weird
on the phone.

Well, I...

I'm sick.

It's a heart thing.

My days may be numbered.
They're not too optimistic.

I may need a heart transplant.

Even then,
I may not pull through.

They say 50% but...

I guess that means
a 40% success rate.

What does that mean,
a 40% success rate?

Well, 40% means

a 60% chance it won't work,
that it'll be useless.

You know, I feel like...

it's barely started
and now...

How long have you known?

It started three months ago.

It took me a month
to go to a doctor.

Then all the tests
and everything...

I've known for a month.

Why didn't you say anything?

Because...I don't know.

We haven't seen each other
in a long time.

Plus, I don't wanna tell
everyone.

I'm not everyone.

Right, your sister,
your family...

you don't give a shit.

Fuck.

There, that's it.

What, "That's it?"
That's what?

I may die,

I tell you...

and you fucking yell at me.

I'm sorry.
Shit.

And Mom and Dad?

Have you told them?

No, I can't tell
Mom and Dad.

Can you imagine?

Okay, so how do you...

live, moneywise?

I live on the little money
I have left, but...

that's running out.

I'll take care of that.

You're all alone here?
How do you spend your days?

I watch a little TV,
but that's pretty boring.

I've started gardening.

I plant stuff.

What blows my mind most
is looking out the window.

- Meaning?
- I watch other people live.

I wonder who they are,
where they go.

They become the heroes
of my little stories.

I like that.

It's not much but...

frankly, it keeps me going.

Here's your change, sir.

Thank you.
Have a nice day.

- Hi.
- Hi, Lauryn.

How are you?

Oh, you're Lauryn's mom?

I'm Simone's mom.
I saw you at school.

Oh, yeah.
Right, Simone.

Lauryn's always talking
about her.

Simone's the one
who doesn't know her father.

Yes.
You told me that.

So I'll take
a kilo of apples.

Okay, a kilo of apples.

This one's a real beauty,
isn't it?

Yes, fine.

I'll even cut you a deal.

- What?
- A special deal.

- 'Cause you're so pretty.
- That's nice.

Careful, he's a Don Juan.
But he hates caviar.

Peddle your bananas
and leave me alone.

I do what I want.
I'm warning the lady.

Cut it out with Franky.

Wanna go for a drink?

Me?

I guess not.

You're not into that?

Happy?
I do what I want, too.

Anything else?

Pull it with your left hand,
then a quarter turn.

Didn't you make knots
in school?

This is really incredible.

Hello.

I can't keep you on,
if this keeps up.

- Madam.
- A baguette, please.

- A "tradition"?
- No, a normal one.

They say to hire young people,

but kids don't want to work
these days.

- It's only my second day.
- Right.

It wasn't like that in my day.

- Thank you.
- Thank you so, so much.

Oh, I forgot to tell you...

Simone's best friend's mother
works at the market.

Oh?

Crazy, huh?

This place is a mess.

Why do guys live
in such pigsties?

Are you forced to leave
these disgusting...

I don't get it.

Shit, don't dump
all your guy problems on me.

If you don't feel like doing
that stuff,

don't feel obligated.

I don't feel obligated,
but I feel obligated to clean.

It stinks.
Really.

Mami.
Mami.

A letter this.

- Benoir.
- Yes.

Is here a letter.

By who?

From France.

Miss.
Miss.

Do you like flowers?

Fuck off.

Bernard, she's for you.

She's your "style."

- No way.
- Leave the girls alone.

Nothing better to do?

You jealous or what?

Of who? Her?
Jealous of her?

No, sometimes
I'm jealous of me.

Know what I mean?

I think,
"Boy, am I lucky to be me."

I see myself and think,

"What a fuckin' babe."

Then I realize...

"Hey. That babe is me."

I don't have to be jealous,
if you get my drift.

I get it.
What a saleswoman.

You can sell anybody anything.

You want me to sell you
something?

Okay, Caroline,

do you mind
if we go to work?

See ya.

Caroline, this is
your last week with us.

- Jealous?
- No.

We separated a year ago.
Flirt if you like.

But I don't have to watch
that shit.

Chill out.
I'll be outta here soon.

Hello.

Did you do your hair
with dynamite?

- A head of lettuce.
- The lettuce...

Like you,
they're not too pretty today.

Thanks.

Take some avocados.

From Cameroon,
beautiful, round.

They'll put color
in your cheeks.

- How much?
- 7,000.

7,000?

-Too much.
- That's the best price.

- I'll give you 5,000.
- 6,000.

- Five.
- Six.

I came to say good-bye.
I'm not working here anymore.

- You lost yourjob?
- Yes. That happens here.

We'll miss you.

Me too.

If you still plan
to come to France,

I'll leave my number.

That's nice.
Thanks.

Call me if you come.

I will.
If I come, that is.

-Bye.
- Bye.

So you're...
How many are you?

Two adults
and four children.

My brother's coming
from Cameroon soon.

Then there'll be
three adults in the house.

You absolutely must find
those pay slips...

Excuse me,
if you want my help...

Without those pay slips,
you can't get any subsidies.

What month was that for?

You're only missing two.

I'm missing two pay slips.

Have you looked everywhere?

All the documents are there.

Yes, but you're missing some.

- What's the problem?
- It's my brother.

He was supposed to arrive
awhile ago.

She's getting impatient.

Try to be on time
for these meetings.

Sorry.

Before we move on
to general business,

Elise has
a personal announcement.

Over the next few months,

I need some time for myself.

So if I could go on halftime
or even 4/5time,

that would help me out.

Have you spoken to Diedrich?

- Not yet.
- He'll never agree.

- Not now.
- You say time "for you."

What does that mean?

Well, it means...

"for me."

I need to spend time at home.

You okay, there,
"Marie-Antoinette"?

Just great.

I'm buying
tons of evening gowns

to waltz around
the Hall of Mirrors.

Take it easy.

Hearing you say
"time for myself..."

I need time for myself too.

We all do.

- Look at Suzini.
- What, Suzini?

You need time
for yourself too.

I don't give a damn
about myself.

That's what I meant.

I need some time for myself.

I think I do enough
for everyone else here.

I'm not gonna tell
my life story.

I mean, I'm just asking
for a little solidarity

for a short time.

Your life is your life.
Your problems don't interest me.

But I remind you, you're
an elected representative.

Yeah, that I know.

And you wanna leave now,
during negotiations.

I know.
It's a drag but...

I can't carry out
those responsibilities

during this period.

You just think of yourself.

- I'd love that.
- Thanks.

It's always been like that
in Paris.

The common opinion
that there's an old Paris

and a modernity
that's brutally struggling

to destroy and deface it
is completely false.

An ancient city

continually recreates
its modernity

out of this conflict
between the old and the new.

I'll be frank with you.
I'm very torn.

The very idea of popularization
depresses me completely.

I'm not sure we do
any great service to history,

or the audience,
by democratizing everything.

It's not some expert's caprice.

When I watch
those educational programs

on the national networks

with my colleagues
elucidating on Louis XVI,

the Commune,
the French Revolution,

the history of World War II...

I'm not sure
they're of much use.

I understand your reticence.

For a great historian
like you...

Don't start;
you think,

"He's not buying this shit;
I'll butter him up."

No, not at all.
You're mistaken.

Don't wear yourself out.
I'll think it over.

It's in your hands.

Not to "butter you up,"

but there aren't many
great historians

with a Paris specialty.

Just out of curiosity,
how much do these things pay?

Somewhere in the neighborhood

of 100,000 euros minimum.

Of course, on top of that,
there are points.

All these people
visit the Palais Royal.

Everyone has a curiosity
about our heritage.

Everyone has a right
to your vast knowledge.

Why wouldn't they?

It's appalling
what I'm about to say...

but I'll do it.

French researchers mostly
research how to make ends meet.

Whatever your motivation,

I'd be thrilled.

And notjust me.
The public too.

All these people who...

All I know about Paris,

I offer to you,
ladies and gentlemen.

Everything I know
shall be yours.

Verneuil...

I have something to tell you.

I'm giving
a "Merovingian Update"

at the colloquium.

What I've got on Pepin the Short
and the Carolingians

will bring the house down.

You're coming?

I'm not sure.
I have a newjob.

Oh, I got hold of some coins
in Angouleme

that completely contradict

the theory of direct taxation
under Dagobert.

Yes, sir.

Remember my old professor,
Vignard?

The thesis advisor
who liked you so much.

I don't want to become Vignard.

He's become
this hideous old fossil,

rambling on about stuff
that interests nobody.

I feel like,
if I go on like this,

giving my little courses,

skulking around libraries,

consulting absurd archives,

I'm doomed to become
Vignard, a rat.

A rat.

Maybe it's naive,
but I've always thought

knowledge was about
opening the mind,

a kind of awakening.

But Vignard scares me.

I'm afraid of his obsession
with historical minutia,

his maniacal,
obsessive side.

These days,
everything seems pathetic to me.

You ought to take up
squash again.

Your classes going okay?

Yes. They're fine.

The other day in class,

I had a genuine illumination.

Apropos of what we already
know about Haussmann

and his rectilinear layout
of the avenues,

I'd like to touch upon gardens

and the relationship
between the city and nature.

Three students
have prepared presentations

on three spatial approaches,

reflecting three ways
of thinking:

French gardens,
English gardens,

and Japanese gardens.

Which garden is
your presentation on?

- French gardens.
- Go ahead.

When I saw
that magnificent girl,

I thought beauty
really is horrible.

Added to youth,
it's completely unfair.

Almost indecent.

I studied her face,
her eyebrows,

her eyes, her mouth.

Her face was sublime.

And I thought, why?
Why her?

Why is she so beautiful?

And why are all the others so...

not ugly...
but let's say,

banal, invisible?

There's something horrible...
Beauty really is disgusting.

Did you see her after class?

That's not his style.

Well, I almost did.

Really?
And?

Obviously,
some kid beat me to it.

The idea of waiting in line
was depressing.

Then I overheard
what she told him.

What did she say?

Laetitia.

She said,

"06-03...

"43-53-63."

That telephone number

was engraved in my brain.

Maybe it was
its musical quality,

with its repetition of threes.

Or its progressive quality--

43, 53, 63...

Anyway, it was like
a magic formula.

So it stayed with me.

Did you approach her?

Did you call her?

Worse.

I sent a text message.

A text message?

A text message.

I followed her after class.

I masked
my own cell phone number.

She went for coffee,
and I sent her a text.

I pretended to be
a young guy.

I know.
It's moronic.

- What?
- Why?

Because I'm an old fart.

Trying to see her
seemed out of place.

What did you write?

I wrote, uh...

"We R in class 2 gether.

"U R awesome.

I'm 2 hot 4 U."

Oh, no.
You didn't?

Yeah.

"U R awesome.
I'm 2 hot 4 U."

You okay?

We just got here.

We're sleeping over.
Me and the kids.

- Hi, everybody.
- Hi.

Can you say hello?

- Hello.
- How are you?

And you?

- What?
- What did you tell them?

Not much.
I'd rather you told them.

No, no, it's better
if it comes from you.

What did you say?

Well, I said...

we were camping out
at your place.

It's fine.

We've gotta be honest
and say I'm gonna croak.

That's not certain.

Then it'll be a nice surprise
if it's not true.

We're not saying
you're gonna croak.

We could say...

you can't work for a while
because you're weak...

because...

You can say
it's better for you

to get your strength back up
to confront...

No, that's bullshit.

They're not dumb.
Let's be straight.

I think that...

your uncle has something
to tell you.

Okay.

Your uncle has...

a serious illness.

A very, very serious illness.

He may even die.

That's why we moved
into his place,

because I'd like
to take care of him.

Why are you telling us
all this?

Because it's the truth,
sweetie.

Are you gonna die,
for sure?

Well, no.
They don't know.

They may cure me.
But still...I don't know.

Even if I do...we all die.

- We all die.
- We just don't know when.

And we want it to happen
as late as possible.

But if it happens,
it's no big deal.

You just have to be prepared.

They're in bed.

Think she's got a guy?

There's a good chance.

- Why?
- Because she's pretty.

And you?
How come you don't?

Because I did,
and now I don't anymore.

Hey, it's not easy.

At my age, it's not...

At your age.

You're 40,
not some old bag.

Things aren't
the same at 40.

You don't know how men are.

They don't like women like me.
Women who talk back scare them.

They like
silly young girls best.

Like her.

She's not necessarily silly.

You're saying
nobody'd like you?

It's a fact
I'm not 20 anymore. Thank God.

Your life's not over.

You just say that
'cause you got dumped.

No.

It's true,
I expected more from Francois.

We had a baby together.

I thought my life
would be different.

Fuck, plus...

work's a nightmare,
layoffs, paperwork...

Your days aren't numbered.

You're alive.
You've got time.

Enjoy it.

You're so fucking pessimistic.
And for no reason.

Elise, you're in great shape.

Take advantage of that.

Give chance a chance.

I believe in you.

Your life's not over.

Maybe it hasn't even started.

- Miss?
- I'm responding to your ad.

Can you come back
this afternoon instead?

Yes, if you prefer.

Stand off to the side.
Madam?

A baguette, please.

- Anything else?
- That'll be all.

Eighty cents, please.

-Have a nice day.
- Thank you.

Do you have
any sales experience?

- I majored in AES.
- What's that?

A retail and economics
training program.

I don't need an economist.

I also did some internships.

I worked in a bakery
for a month as an intern.

You like that?
Bakeries, all that.

That universe
really attracts me.

It's a universe all right.

Hold on...
Stand off to the side.

-Sir, madam...
- A baguette.

A "tradition"?

Ninety cents.

-Are you French?
- Yes, ma'am.

Really?
Where were you born?

In Thiers, ma'am.

She's from the Auvergne.

That's how it is,
like it or not.

That's Paris.

Have a nice day.

-What's your name?
- Khadija.

Of course.
Take my place, and we'll see.

We'll be right with you.

- What can I get you?
- Pastries.

- How many?
- Four.

- This box?
- What do you think?

A doily.

Which ones would you like?

Elise.

Look at this.

My first sweetheart
took that picture.

Incredible.

I gotta go.
Look at the time.

I'm really late.
Shit.

I'm off.
See you later.

Elisabeth Deleforges.

Elisabeth?

It's Pierre Bellanger.

We were in the 6th grade
together.

Yeah, exactly.

No, I just called.

No, just to say that...

Remember when we slow-danced
at Beatrice Horn's?

I don't know.
In 7th or 8th grade.

I'm really glad.

It was at Viviane Chocas' house?

I just wanted to say...

That was the first time
I ever danced with a girl.

And it may be
the happiest moment of my life.

That's it.

Sleeping outside,

it's hard to endure
such temperatures, which are...

damned cold.

Yes, of course.

Have you been here before?
I feel like...

You haven't?

Have you tried 1 15?

- What?
- The toll-free number.

Oh, shit.

Meaning?

Oh, fuck.

Listen, I'm on my way.

Rachel.

I have an emergency.
Can you help me?

I'm sorry, sir.

My colleague
will handle your problem.

I have a problem.

You'll be okay.

She remembered me.

I had the feeling...

she was happy to hear from me.

She was surprised but...

Rinse out your mouth.

I was so in love
with Elisabeth.

I didn't dare tell her.

I think she got that.

- You think?
- Yes.

Shouldn't you see
the cardiologist?

For?

You're completely nuts.

The heart problem.

Pierre's heart.

- Take a deep breath.
- Yes, yes.

It's hard to concentrate
with all this commotion.

Let me relax

It's your first shot.
We'll get there.

- Let's go.
- Everyone ready?

Roll camera.
Extras action.

It was here,
in the Hotel Pimodan,

or the Hotel Lauzun,

dating from the 17th century,

that Baudelaire wrote
his famous poem,

"Invitation to the Voyage."

It was here
that the Hashish Club met,

where Gerard de Nerval,
Theophile Gautier,

Daumier,
Balzac convened

to unite drunkenness
and creation.

It's right here,
under the aegis of Baudelaire,

that we begin
our portrait of Paris,

eternal city.

In his preface
to Paris Spleen,

Baudelaire said that work had,
"neither head nor tail."

It was a modern form of poetry,
fragmented,

"without meter or rhyme."

He justifies his desire
to compose prose poems

by saying,
"Above all, enormous cities,

"with their incalculable
interconnections,

beget this obsessive ideal."

Today's cities also have,
"neither head nor tail."

Paris is a fragmented
wellspring of men,

stories, eras,

monuments, places...

Let us also try

to discover that universe
in a fragmented way,

to discover,
in those scattered shards,

why, "Here,
all is order and beauty,

luxury, calm,
and voluptuousness."

I just had one beer.
I had such a craving.

With your daily cocktail
of beta blockers,

Digoxin, Captopril,
and Carveditol,

one drop of alcohol,
and you vomit.

You have to save your strength.
You can't live the same way.

I get that,
but sometimes it's hard.

We're gonna have
to see each other regularly.

I have the results
of your tests.

The whole team met yesterday,
all your doctors,

endocrinologists,
shrinks, everyone.

We've all studied your file

and have come
to the same verdict

Our suspicions
have been confirmed.

I won't lie.
This heart isn't working.

We all recommend a transplant.

Obviously,
we need your consent.

It's freezing in here.

Is the air on?
Or is it me?

Don't hesitate to call me.

By the way, I'm doubling
your dose of Digoxin.

That's important.

I'm looking for Orthopedics.

This is Cardiology.
Orthopedics is one floor down.

- Thank you.
- Hello.

Hello.

I go to your bakery...

where you just...

Well, uh...

Well...have a nice day.

Come back soon.
Call me.

We used to have girls
from Normandy.

I loved them.

They're workers.
Like the Alsatians.

There is a difference.

A Breton will never work
like a Norman or an Alsatian.

They're more...

They're tough as nails,
those Bretons.

Not to mention the Corsicans.

All that's to say, guess what?
I made a discovery.

North Africans.

Really?

Yes, North Africans.

I have one here.

Khadija.
She's a gem.

It's true,
they are temperamental.

But, at work,
they're there.

They're upright.

Hello.

They give of themselves.
I like that.

What can I get you?

A baguette, please.

And very warm.

And a pain au chocolat.

Everything okay, Khadija?

Why?

No, I'm just asking.

That'll be 2.40.

Close the drawer.
2.40.

Punch it in.
Here and here.

I was sure of it.

"Your head, your bearing,
your gestures

"are fair
as a fair countryside.

"Laughter plays on your face
like a cool wind in the sky.

"The sonorous color
you scatter on your dresses

cast into the minds of poets,
a flowery dance."

"Who the fuck are you?"

"Those crazy gowns
are the emblem

"of your multicolored nature.

I hate and love you equally..."

"You're not some little asshole;
you're a real psycho."

"The springtime and its verdure
so mortified my heart

"that I punished a flower
for the insolence of Nature.

"Some night when the hour
for pleasure sounds,

"I would like to creep softly
toward your precious body

"to punish yourjoyous flesh,

"bruise your innocent breast,

"to make in your surprised flank
a wide and deep wound

"and dizzying sweetness.

"Through those new lips,
brighter and lovelier,

"to infuse my venom,

my sister."

Construction of the catacombs
began in 1780,

just a few years
before the French Revolution.

The numerous mass graves
at that time

made certain neighborhoods
uninhabitable,

like the current
Place des Innocents.

They were...

The bodies...the bones

were moved, one by one...

and stacked...

stacked...

I can't.
I'm sorry, I can't.

I'm sorry.

No offense,
but I don't believe in this.

I've always found
all this stuff ridiculous.

All what stuff?

Well, you, this...
The couch, psychoanalysis.

I find it completely stupid.

I find it moronic.

Really?

Then why did you come?

I don't really know
why I came.

But the problem is,
I don't believe in it.

You have to be completely naive
to do this.

To do what?

Well, to go there.

To tell your life story,
your childhood,

that whole
Oedipus complex thing.

"I'm so attached to my mommy.
How much do I owe you, Doctor?"

Isn't that kind of pathetic?

No.

I can't imagine
that lying on that couch

and blathering on for hours
about your past can,

I don't know,
heal wounds.

I'm pragmatic.
You understand?

I'm concrete.

All that guru stuff's
not my thing.

I'm the opposite of naive.
I only believe in what I see.

And what do you see?

Well...

I'm a historian.

In my field,
we follow tangible leads.

You're thinking,
"This guy's really sick.

"He's really sick.

"He came, but he won't admit
he's really sick.

"He acts like
he's in great shape.

He's acting out
his defense mechanisms,"

as you say.

Isn't that
what you're thinking?

No, no, I'm listening.

If you came here, you must feel
that something's wrong.

You talk about tangible leads.

What tangible things
led you here?

Well, I...

I started a newjob
a few weeks ago.

I'm doing a sort of
popularization thing for TV.

The other day,
I completely snapped.

That's never happened
to me before.

I'm afraid now.
I'm afraid.

It's an anxiety
I can't wrap my mind around.

It's weird.
I don't understand it.

I've always been pretty good
at analyzing things,

digging up what's not working,

solving problems.

That's my basic activity,

solving problems.

I spent my...

I'm sorry...

I just can't...

It's completely stupid.

Crying like an idiot.

You're good.
You won.

I haven't won a thing.

You know, I don't take pleasure
in seeing you cry.

It's no big deal.

Yes, some things
are a big deal.

You've admitted
that you're suffering.

You've just realized
something important.

I just realized something?

Yes.

You've just realized
the unconscious exists.

It's just given you
"tangible" proof, as you say.

They say that deciding
to see a shrink

is already half the battle.

Has anything
happened to you recently?

No.
Aside from that newjob...

Yes.
Oh, yeah...

Now you'll laugh in my face.

I'm not here to laugh
in your face.

Go on, tell me.

It may have
no relation at all.

Go ahead.

My father died a month ago.

Okay.

Excuse me.

Sorry.

Come and see.

Hold on,
that's not it.

That's the entrance.

I'll show you the lobby
to give you an idea.

People look happy here.

Oh, that's just
an animation thing.

3-D stuff.

I went to see
a psychoanalyst.

A shrink?
Why?

I'm sorry, I'm stunned.
Why a shrink?

I'm obviously not well.
Nervous depression, I think.

You're just fine.
You're like me.

You're not depressed.

I'm not like you, please.
And I'm not "just fine."

I know that's not
a Verneuil thing.

I'm different.

You've always done
what you should.

Never a problem.
I'm not like that.

I've always done
what I should?

It's always been that way.

Even Mom and Dad were like that.
You did everything well.

I was the pain in the ass,
the weirdo,

the problem child.

If that's how you see me...

That's how you are.

That's why
we'll never get along.

We've just spent an hour here,
and you can't see I'm not well.

You can't even see
I'm not well.

You're blinded
by wedded bliss,

by your plans to have a baby.

Can't you see
I'll never make it?

I could never be like you.

A normal guy.

Completely normal.

Want some herbal tea?

What does "being normal" mean?

I don't know...nothing.

Roland said I was normal.

He's gotta heal himself.
He's not normal.

Exactly.
He said that too.

He is healing himself.
He's seeing a shrink.

Really?

Why?

I don't know.

He says he's not well,
he's depressed.

He said I always did
everything well.

Do I do everything well?

Well, no...

That's what I said.

Not really.

Not especially.

You haven't got a clue
about lots of stuff.

Lots of your projects
aren't...

Some things
you blow completely.

Frankly,
I think that's unfair.

Anybody here?

Are you my kids?

Yes.

- I have three kids?
- Yes.

That's not what I planned.

I made a mistake
in the blueprints.

We'll be Mickael,
Marie, and Rose.

No, I had something else
in mind.

- Look, it's fabulous.
- Yes, it's beautiful.

That's not what I designed.

I imagined
a completely different facade.

- Great to see you.
- How about a movie?

Mommy, look.

I love this neighborhood.

I love this city.
I love this building.

It's impressive.
So many floors.

Think you'll finish
on schedule?

Great work, guys.

So close to the mall.

- It's so airy.
- What a great vibe.

Do you think
you're all normal?

Everything's perfect, dear.

I'm normal.

So are you.
Very normal.

No, no, no, no, no, no,
no, no, no, no, no, no.

- Are you okay?
- No.

That's enough, now.

Are you okay, dear?

I'm sorry.

Yes, I'll be fine.

It's you?

It's me.

Obviously, this is
very embarrassing.

I don't feel well.
I don't feel well at all.

That's all you can say?

I'm truly sorry.
Really sorry.

You should be.

You're completely nuts.

Do you realize what you did?

How humiliating this is?

It's horrible.

What's your trip?
You think people are puppets?

You smile, on top of it.

I'm not smiling.
I'm embarrassed.

You can see that.

Sit down.

Please, sit down.

I'm really not
some Machiavellian pervert.

It was just awkwardness.
I was just trying to...

Sit down.

You didn't answer me.

What's your fantasy?
Manipulating students?

Not at all.

They've got video games
for that.

If you're into
virtual manipulation.

You pick a character

and go beep-beep,
like some asshole.

All done?

All done what?

Have you gotten it
out of your system?

No, not enough.

I forgot it could be
so good.

Has it been that long?

Ancient times.

See that old tome
on that table?

I think the date
is marked in there.

High Middle Ages.

I'd have to give my cock
a carbon14 test.

You're funny.

No, I'm not funny.
I'm incredibly anxious.

Like all people
who make jokes,

I'm filling the void,
fear of death.

You can be
pretty unfunny too.

Are you okay with the

student-screwing-her-professor
cliche?

I even like it.

And are you okay with it, sir?

Please, make an effort.
Stop calling me sir.

Watch out for cars.

Wait, Jules.

Simone, I hear
you're in love with Nicolas.

No, I'm not.

- You said you were.
- No way.

What?

Being in love is good.

It's beautiful.

Yes, it is.

What can I get you?

I'll take some lychees.

A kilo of lychees.

In front of the flame.

You see?

It crackles.

Pierre.

Is it true
there's no Santa Claus?

Of course there's a Santa.
Who said there wasn't?

My friend at school.

Your friend's a liar.
Who was it?

- Kevin.
- He's an ass.

Mommy, can't we stay up late?

We'll miss Santa Claus.

Come here,
I wanna show you something.

What are you doing?

Where are you going?

No, no, no, Pierre,
are you crazy?

It's freezing out.

See how beautiful it is.

See that?

See the Eiffel Tower?

Santa's gonna fly over it.

He'll tie his sleigh
to the tower and slide down.

It's cold.

You see?
And then...

he'll go to all those houses
that are all lit up.

- Where will he come from?
- Over there.

He may come from over there.

Look.
Behind the clouds.

Don't tell Mommy,
but I'll wait up till midnight.

If I see him,
I'll wake you up.

Okay.

And we'll see Santa together.

Good night.

This may be my last Christmas.

And I may never make love again.

I'm doing a survey for...

I'm not interested.

Wait.
I'm sorry.

Listen...

You're the tenth person
to slam the door in my face.

It'll be over in a flash.
I promise.

I won't be a bother.

-Yes?
- Okay.

You have a lovely view.

- Want something to drink?
- No, thanks.

I'll just...

ask you a few quick questions

to sort of define your...

your profile.

Do you live alone?

Yes.

Does that mean
you have a boyfriend

but you live
in separate apartments?

No, I don't have a boyfriend.

What business is that of yours?
I don't understand...

It's part of a...

I'm sorry,
I'm expecting someone.

I understand.

So have you ever...

taken part in a charity drive?

Oh, that's very good.

I'm sorry.
I don't have much time.

No, but...

I'm doing a survey for...
what is it again?

For nothing.

I'll leave now.

I'm sorry.

So I'll be going.

Thanks a lot anyway.
Good-bye.

Since I said I would...

Bitch.

Yeah, it's too bad.

She seemed nice, that girl.

I don't know why.
I had a good feeling about her.

Diedrich claims
he's laying people off

because of budget cuts.

The youngest go first.

Precarity generates
more precarity.

Social action is dead
and buried in France.

On every level.

You still single?

They don't come
any more single.

Even my cat wants to dump me.

The socially oriented world
is dying.

I'm bound to get laid off.

I can barely pay my rent now.

I'm not even sure
I qualify for unemployment.

I'm gonna have to move
out of the city, no doubt.

They talk about diversity,

but to live in Paris these days,
you gotta be rich.

See what I mean?

You're not wrong.

This is kind of sordid.

Yeah, I don't know.
A little...

You wanna kiss anyway?

I don't know.
You?

Yeah, I think so.
No?

Why not?

I figure,
if we both want to...

Want to...

Go out, make love,
live it up.

Do you wanna come
into my arms?

For?

So we can kiss.

Now?
Right away?

I don't know.
No?

Yeah, but...

I gotta tell you something.

I'm not waxed.

No problem.
Beggars can't be choosers.

You're not taking that off?

Maybe later.

Sorry.

- That okay?
- Yeah, fine.

Hey, two filets of sole.

Fuck you.

Bernard's the best rocker
in Rungis.

The world envies us that.

In the States, they call him
The Tennessee Fishmonger.

Know what they call me
in Tennessee?

Le King Size.

Know why?

Here you go.

Thanks, Daniela.
From the bottom of my heart.

- Can I give you a hand?
- Gladly.

No, no, no, stop.

Look at this.

Look at my wheelbarrow.

I just found it
in the kitchen.

It's nothing...

Stop.

Come on, get along.

- Come on, wheelbarrow.
- Stop.

We're just having fun.

-Caroline's laughing.
- Yeah, right.

What's the matter?

Caroline, are you crying?

Let me go.

Now she's pissed.

What? I guess she doesn't
like the wheelbarrow.

I'll just go comfort her.

- What's with you?
- You're not gonna comfort her.

- Haven't you done enough?
- Can't we fool around?

- You're screwing up the party.
- Fuck off.

Can't we have a few laughs?

You bunch ofjerks.

Let him go.

Two kilos is too heavy.

One kilo's lighter,
but you only get half as many.

That's why I can't decide.

Take two kilos.
We'll deliver 'em.

Really?
Would you do that?

- Today's a holiday.
- Thank you.

So we're
in the same business.

- What do you do?
- Social worker.

Step right up.

Buy your fruit
from the social worker.

Two kilos:
free delivery.

She's nice.
She's cute.

Step right up.

Get your maggot-ridden fish
right here.

Caroline,
deliver this to the lady.

Getting some cash for me?

Yeah, right.

There's not enough
in your account.

The gentleman's a gigolo
to boot?

I didn't know.

Cut it out,
or you'll end up crying.

You like that, huh?

You're good at that.

I love it.

How you traveling?

On foot.
Bernard took the truck.

I've got wheels.

Your place or mine?

Your place, but I drive.

Right.
Your place it is.

But I'm giving you a lift.

No, hold on.

My place, okay.
But I drive.

Okay?

What are you doing here?

I brought you this.

What is it?

The view from your window.

You're completely nuts.

17th-century.

Wow, what a difference.

You wear glasses now?

I'm getting farsighted
in my old age.

It's so weird.

You getting older.

To me, you're still
a little jerk.

You're more attached
to the past than I am.

- Why do you say that?
- I don't know.

You kept
all our childhood pictures.

I don't have one.

So I came to divvy up stuff.

I give you that in exchange
for a few old snapshots.

Don't start blubbering, please.

You really are an asshole.
What's with you these days?

I don't know.

I think it's that girl.

I'm in love.

I'm in love.
I feel like I'm 15.

You see?

As strong as Descartes.

The same intensity.

I love it.

Dance some more.

I'll dance for you.

Check out the sax

Teach me that.

Teach me that stuff.

- You've got a job.
- Great.

Ciao, beautiful.

Thanks, Maurice.

Wait.
When can you start?

Whenever you like.
I'm as free as a bird.

- Monday morning?
- Sold.

What is this mess?

Oh, that's horrible.

Holy shit.

- You okay?
- No.

It's fucking tough.

It's crazy.
I thought she was outta my life.

She dies. Bam.
And I see she's still there.

It's so fucking weird.

You split up,
hate each other even.

But something lingers.

People die,
but something's still here,

like a ghost.

That's not all.
Look at this.

How many tangerines?

Right, avocados.

You're gonna scatter
the ashes?

Who else?
Franky?

Yeah, but...

why from the Montparnasse Tower?

When we came from Brittany,
that's the first place we went.

Take over, okay?

Excuse me.
You wanna go for a drink?

I'm sorry but...really.

Something's wrong...

You know this is
completely stupid?

Sometimes
it's fun to be stupid.

I don't know.

So we act like
two dumb tourists?

Since you said
you were going to Montmartre,

and I'm looking at Sacre-coeur,

I just wanted to say
I'm thinking of you.

A big kiss...

Kisses.

Roland.
We're almost ready.

Be right there.

On a clear day,
you can see Europe out there.

We'll try crossing again later.

Is it really worth it?

Unfortunately, brother,

yes, it really is worth it.

- Is that a new perfume?
- Yes, Dior.

J'adore.

Benoit?
Hold on...

Oh, Benoit.
How are you?

Fine. I just wanted to say
I'll be in France very soon.

You're coming to Paris? Great.
That's great...

I can't really talk now.

Okay.

Bon voyage.

Hi.

How are you?
You look fabulous.

Good-bye?

I wanna go play.

- Where were you?
- At the market. Why?

Illegal immigration tragedy

off the island of Mayotte.

Coast guard reports
20 people still missing.

What's the matter?

Stop.

I'm going stir-crazy.
I can't take it anymore.

I've been alone all day.

Where are all those
fabulous friends of yours

who are so nice,
who are better partiers than me?

I don't know, at work.
Do you have to say it like that?

I know I scare people off.
I'm well aware of that.

I don't know
who my friends are.

Fifi came to see me...

Diane obviously
can't deal with it.

I'm sorry...

- I almost even called Mom.
- And?

No. Impossible.

Want me to throw a party?

What?

You?
A party?

Fuck off.
Don't touch me.

I'm sorry.

-Where are you going?
- Fine.

Fine, fine.
I got it.

Fuck off.

What did he say?

He said, uh...I don't think
10 euros is expensive.

So, Patricia, Virginie,
this is Remy.

Hi.

Pleased to meet you.

We went to see the new show
at the Beaubourg. It was great.

Shit.
I wanted to see that.

- I forgot to call you.
- Slut.

It's Roland.

I know.

Why'd you ask me to come?

So that...

So you'd see my life.

Look,

it's no big deal.

Yes, some things
are a big deal.

- Hello.
- Hi, Diane.

Long time, no see.

Glad to see you.

Bravo.

- I can't do that anymore.
- Hello, anyway.

You okay?

- You didn't get hurt?
- No.

Patrice...Pierre.

- Hi, Patrick.
- Patrice.

- Shall we have a drink?
- Yeah, great.

- I can't do that either.
- Shit.

Are you Pierre's sister?

You're Pierre's sister?

In line for the...

Thanks for coming.

I'm happy to be here.

Diane, I...

You...

Stop.

Stop right now.

Don't say anything heavy.
Not tonight.

Let's dance.
We can piss later.

We said
one glass of champagne.

We didn't drive out to Rungis
for one drink.

I see that.

How did you
think of this, Suzi?

Bring it back.

Franky.
Look at this.

Hey. Look.

He's calling his friends.

That's funny.

- Look at them.
- They're cute.

Bernard, Jean.

Look out there.

Mourad.
Invite them for a drink.

Ladies, how about a tour?

Careful.
A turn.

Can't I ride with you?

If you like.

- Now what?
- I don't know.

What do you wanna see now?

How about meat?

Really?
You're into meat?

We love meat.

Here we are.

Leave your flowers.

You can't come in here
dressed like that.

Why not?

A white smock, minimum.

It's a food safety zone.
It's a question of hygiene.

She's a lady butcher.

Thanks.

Come on.

Let's dance.

You've got no choice.
On the dance floor, wallflower.

No!
More!

This is where
all the fruit stuff happens.

We get our stock here.

Pretty much every day,
very early.

That's the best tangerine dealer
in Rungis.

From all over the world.
From Corsica...

From Lebanon, Israel,
all side by side.

Yet they get along.

If only people were like that.

It's cold.

It has to be.
Keeps the fruit fresh.

I shop online.

I never imagined
a place like this,

with miles of fruit,
vegetables...

all different.

It's fascinating.

What's fascinating
is shopping by internet.

Come on,
I have lots to show you.

Things okay with him?
Wanna get back together?

You're very beautiful, miss.

I heard you get steamed
when they call you "ma'am."

Is that
your usual pickup line?

It's pretty infallible.
I know what women like.

You'll have to tell me

because I don't know
what I like these days.

I have a hard time with men.

Really?

Have you tried homeopathy?

Homeopathy, that'd be men,
but in teeny doses.

That wasn't too good.

No, it was really awful.

It's cold.

Let me see.

Those are working hands.

Gotta schlep those crates.

See, homeopathy's
good for you.

It's sure been a long time.

Really?

I'm sorry,
I don't want to.

Why? Is it...

It's not you.
You're beautiful.

You're magnificent.

Fantastic, even.
That's just it.

I don't know...

I don't know if I like it
when it's that fantastic.

I'm sorry, but...

What?

Don't you want to?

Yes, but...

No.

Your place or mine?

Did I do something wrong?

It's not you.

Not ready yet?

You're early today.

To be honest,
I haven't been to bed.

That makes two of us.

It shows.

Thanks, that's nice.

Next time,
let's do it together.

Do...

I'm sorry.

Not sleep?

You're asking me
"not to sleep" with you?

Well, yeah.

Sort of.

What are you doing
after work?

Do you...

I have to pick up Lauryn.

I picked her up.

She's with my kids
over at my brother's.

Thank you.

It's fine.
He's pretty good with kids.

Don't hurt yourselves.

We're dancing to punk music.

Get in there.

- Don't you wanna dance?
- No, go on.

-Go for it.
- We're dancing.

Go for it.

Like this?

Jules, get in there.

Arms, head, in all directions.
Left, right.

Go. Go. Go.

Jules, get back in there.

Give it all you've got.

Hello?

Really?

Yes, I understand.

Yes, Dr. Ferrand
explained all that.

How much time
do I have to get there?

Okay.

Okay, it's here.

You're sure?
You really don't want me...

I'd rather you didn't come.

I feel like
I'm going to the gallows.

No drama,
no goodbyes, no kisses.

If you say so.

I'll see you again.
One way or another.

Please, stop.

I'm going.

Thank you.

Thank you too.

Do you want to hold him?

Very good.

Roland?
I'm a father.

I'm happy for you.

- You going away?
- Yes.

See you soon, I hope.

Yes, I hope so too.

Did you order a car?

I'm going
to Montrouge Hospital.

Richard Lenoir's jammed.
A demonstration, so...

Mind if I avoid Voltaire
and take Menilmontant,

Philippe Auguste, Nation,
and Faubourg Saint-Antoine?

No, that's fine.

I don't think
they've reached Bastille.

We may get through.

They're gonna
give us shit all day.

That's Paris.

No one's ever happy.

We grumble.
We love that.

The demonstration,
you mean?

Yeah, right.

They don't know
how lucky they are.

Walking, breathing, running,

arguing, running late...

They don't know how lucky.

To be just like that,

carefree in Paris.