Things to Come (2016) - full transcript

- Nathalie!

- I'm coming.

"Can we put ourselves
in the place of the other?"

Definitely not easy music
to listen to.

I wouldn't play it at home.

- For sure.

You have to see it.

- Music in general?
- Yes.

It's meant to be seen,
not just heard.

"A great French writer
wanted to rest here"

"to hear only the sea and wind."



"Passerby,
respect his last wish."

- Can we go?

Because the tide's coming in.

I don't want to sleep
with Chateaubriand.

- Wait up.

- Coming?

- I'll be right there.

"THINGS TO COME"

"Several years later"

Don't answer.
It's your mother.

- Hello, you've reached
Heinz and Nathalie.

We're not in,
but you can leave a message.

- Nathalie?

Nathalie, are you there?



It's me.

I'm in such pain, Nathalie.

I can't breathe.

- What is it?
- I can't breathe.

I took a Xanax.

- How long ago?

- 45 minutes.
Can I take another?

- Sure, take one now.

- It doesn't help.

- It'll be fine!

- I'll call the firemen.
I can't stay like this.

- We can't call the firemen
for every panic attack.

- You can't come?

- Now? Are you crazy?
See the time?

I have to sleep.
I get up at 6:00.

"The Radical Loser"

- If the reform passes,
us kids won't find work.

Already 25% unemployment!

When we finish school,
we won't find jobs!

- Let's show them
we won't give up!

- You can't enter!

- You can't stop me
from working!

- Majority rules in democracy!

- Let the teacher in.

Everyone together!

- Unbelievable.

Everyone together.

Good morning.

- Can we have a debate?

- A debate?

- On the reform.
To get your opinion.

- I don't have to give
my opinion on politics.

But blocking the entrance
is pathetic.

Students deciding
if teachers can work?

We have to ask freshmen
if we can teach now.

- They won't let Antonia
come in.

- Great!
I've had enough.

- Respect different convictions!

- You have none!

You just want to graduate!

- You're in school
and speak of retirement!

Enough!

- Your talk of '68 is nonsense!

You're selfish!
- Us, selfish?

This isn't for us but for
our parents, for workers.

For people that work hard
all their lives!

- For our futures.

- And you're not concerned?

- I'm not here to talk politics
but to teach.

- Collaborationist!

- You don't mind working
until you're 67?

- I love my job.
I'm in no rush.

- Teachers have no lives.

- What about people
who slave away?

- Meaning people like you?

- Butt out!

- Listen to you!
Unbelievable!

- Let my students enter.

- Let the scabs in!

- Open your books.

- There's no time for class.

- Okay, then.

Then consider
this quotation of Rousseau's.

"If there were a nation of gods,

"it would govern itself
democratically.

"A government so perfect...

Is not suited to men."

Think it over.
Then we'll discuss it.

Don't misinterpret it.

Remember, Rousseau wrote
"The Social Contract," inspiring

the Declaration of the Rights
of Man and of the Citizen.

His ideas formed the Revolution.

Fabien!

Tutoring?
- And I wanted to say hi.

- How nice. All is well?
- Yes, and you?

- Fine, very well.

- I have two memories
of my senior year.

The hospital where my mom and I
waited as my dad died.

And your class,
where I discovered philosophy.

I had to tell you.

- I'm touched.

- How you said to hold on,

to never let go,
all your ideas and books.

It annoyed me, a lot.
But it helped me get by.

- No need.
You had an iron will.

- It was more complicated.

I skipped classes,
got high at home.

You put pressure on me.

École Normale was your idea.

My mom had no idea what it was.

- Come on, it was your calling.

It was obvious.

Your essays were excellent,
very clear.

All I did was correct spelling.

That's all.

Is your PhD coming along?

- No, not really.

Since I stopped teaching,
I do odd jobs.

- Writing for
my essay collection?

- Or less fun stuff.

I do other things
in my free time.

- Like what?

- I'm involved
in an anarchist group.

I see my girlfriend.

I enjoy life.

- More to life than philosophy.

- Can you get me a few copies
of my essay on Adorno?

- Sure, I'll pick some up
at Cartet.

I just finished this.
It's great.

Tell me what you think.

- See you.

- Thanks for stopping by.

How did you manage today?

- It was fine.

- No problem entering
the high school?

- Yes.

As I went in, a kid
looked at me threateningly.

- And?

- I said, "I know who you are.

One more step
and you'll regret it."

He ran away.

- You were bluffing.
- Nope.

- What was your class on?

- Empiricism and rationalism.

- Were they concentrated?

- Totally concentrated.

- Of course.

You terrorize them.

- I make them responsible.
On time and attentive.

"One word about retirement
and you're out."

- How many Adornos do you want?

- A dozen.
Have you sold any?

- Not many.

We'll see in September.

The Foucaults are downstairs.

They still sell well.

- How are you?
- And you?

- Fine.

- Getting through these strikes?

- Don't bring it up.

- What are you two doing
this summer?

- If my mother lets us leave,

we'll go to Heinz's place
in Brittany.

I can't wait.

- This is Amèlie.

Daniel has replaced Clèlia.
I don't know if you've met.

- I think we spoke on the phone.

- So...

we want to show you

how we intend to redesign
your textbook.

- To discuss this new edition
before undertaking anything.

We want to maintain the
specificity of the 2004 version.

- It remains an anthology

devoid of commentary
that might come between teacher

and student.

A few figures...

- Which way?

- Like this.

- Can you break them down?

- In sum, according
to qualitative analysis,

Cartet remains
the first choice of teachers.

But sales figures
give our competitors a big lead.

Our aim is to strengthen
its quality as a reference book,

while striving
to meet market expectations.

Look through it at home.

In short, our aim is
to upgrade the textbook,

to humanize it.

- To give it the pedagogical
makeover it needs.

- We'd like to add facilitators
and product tie-ins.

- Make it more attractive,
less austere.

Show her the graphic designer's
suggestions

for the essay collection.

- You're changing my collection?

- It's the most costly
and least profitable collection.

- And the most prestigious.

- No doubt,
but we can't sit back

and watch sales plummet.

- Just a proposal.

If you don't like it...

- It's bad beyond belief.

Like an ad for M&M's.

What I've always fought against.

- The original cover is classy
but very plain.

The new one is modern,
aggressive, and catchy.

We did tests.

- It's really hard to miss.

A total eyesore!

- Mrs. Chazeaux!

Sorry, but you must pay
for the books.

You get 50% off, of course.

- We used to get 20 copies.

Now you don't send them
and we pay?

- Taking the metro?

Can I walk you?

- I'd like that.

- I read your protégé's text
on Adorno.

Brilliant, for sure.

- I agree.

- But I wonder if he can
keep writing schoolbooks.

- Why?
It's extremely limpid.

- He keeps advocating
his radical ideas.

It comes across in every line.

- I prefer a text
a bit rhapsodic

by someone who thinks
out of the box

over the bland writing
of marketing fiends.

- They do their job.

You know I didn't hire them.

- Still in bed?

Yeah, Pandora, hide.

I bought you salmon
and sheep-milk yogurt.

I'm in a rush.
I have the kids for lunch.

Staying in bed all day?

I got you the papers.

"Le Monde" and "Libé."

- Anything worth reading?

- Besides the strike,
Iranian repression, if you care.

- Can't my grandchildren
come visit?

I miss them.

- They'd come
if you left your bed.

And filled your fridge.

- What do you think?
Not bad, huh?

- Where did you get it?
- It's mine.

- I never saw it before.

Did you buy clothes again?

Barbara Bui?
Are you kidding?

With what money?
Another bad check?

- I gained weight.

- You went alone?
- Inés came along.

We took a taxi.

- For someone depressed,
you seem fine.

- I had to buy something.

I have a role next week.
- Really?

As what?

- A TV crime movie.
I play a cadaver.

- Can you get my glasses?

On the shelf.

- At least it won't be tiring.

- Guess again.
Two hours of makeup.

- Here they are.

- Hello.

- Let's eat.

You okay?

Who wrote the article?

- Simone something.
Italian name.

- Not Simone Pozzi?

- That's it.

- I know her.
A repulsive Stalinist.

- When we met, your mom
was handing out commie tracts.

A real terror.

- Okay, I was a communist.
Three years. No shame.

- Just three years...

- Like most intellectuals then.

- Not me.
- No, not you.

- She was even in the USSR.

- So what?
I came back disenchanted.

I read Solzhenitsyn,
end of story.

- Always the last word.
You never change.

- We're not all clairvoyant
like you.

True, your father hasn't changed
since he was 18.

"Starry sky above
and moral law within."

Already his credo in '68.

- Granted.

- A barrel of laughs too.

It's Fabien!

- Who is it?
- Her favorite, you know?

- I have no idea.

- The son she'd have liked.

My opposite,
physically and intellectually.

- You're such idiots!

- Her former student,
the writer.

- Now I see.

- Quiet down!
He's coming.

Hello.

You okay?

Come in.

- I won't bother you.

- It's no bother.

- I'm in a rush anyway.

- Five minutes.
Don't just stand there.

Something wrong?
- Sorry I look like a bum.

I spent all night outside.

- Outside?

- Protesting
against an eviction.

- Have a seat.

- Friends were arrested.
My girlfriend got hit.

- Nothing serious?
- Not really.

- Do you do this often?
- Sometimes.

- I got your books.
They're on the table.

How are my strawberries?
- Delicious.

- Have a seat.

Have some strawberries.

- I read your book.

- What is it?

- An incredible text
on terrorism.

- You never mentioned it.
- What? Sure I did.

- I didn't have the honor.

- What did you think?

- Very well written...

but it preaches
to the converted.

- I don't think so.

- I dislike how it confuses
radicalism and terrorism.

- No, I disagree.

- Here.

This just came out in French.

- Günther Anders.

- Who's he?
- A philosopher.

Hannah Arendt's first husband.

- I'll make the coffee.

- I was waiting for it
to come back out.

Can I write on it
for your collection?

- Why not?
I'll read it and tell you.

Thanks.

- Let's see.

- "The Obsolescence of Man."

What's "obsolescence"?

- Johann...

- Just kidding.

How do you say it in German?

- Not great either.

Pronounce it, Mom.

- Stop teasing me!

What is it?
They've ganged up.

You could have made an effort.

You were like ice.

- I don't like him much.

- What don't you like?

- Expert on everything,
a real know-it-all.

- You don't know him.

- He fawns when he needs you

but walks over you
when you're in his way.

- You're crazy!

The sweetest, kindest student
I've ever had.

And he's brave.

- Because he's Mr. Protestor?

- Not just that.
Spare me your sarcasm.

Jealous?

- Jealous. Please!

- Dad!

- Chloé. What a nice surprise.

- I was nearby.

- I think you want
to say something.

- Yes.

But it's not easy.

- Are you in trouble?

I know. You're pregnant.
- Not at all.

- What is it, then?
Tell me.

- I know you're seeing someone.

- Does Mom know?

- Don't worry.
I won't say.

But Johann and I
want you to choose.

Quickly, Dad.

"Mom"

- Can the truth be debated?

Go ahead.

- I don't get it.

Why couldn't it be debated?

- Really?

What about areas
where it's established?

- It's always contestable.

- No one still says the sun
revolves round the Earth.

In science,
there are established truths.

Is that the only area?

- History too.

- Exactly. The storming of
the Bastille on July 14, 1789,

or Nazi extermination of Jews
leave no room for debate.

Be careful.

Debating truth is one thing,
contesting it another.

- When can we say truth
is established?

- That's the question.

In the end, the problem
is less the existence of truth

than criteria
for establishing it.

Distinguish between the areas
where truth can be proved

from those concerned
with belief,

conviction, faith

but not established truths.

- Like art.
We can't speak of truth in art.

- Really?

We still question the genius
of Homer and Shakespeare?

- A recent movie
said Shakespeare's a sham.

- It's too late.

Mozart, Proust, Van Gogh:
time decided.

There's truth in art,
established over time.

Why can't time get it wrong?

- Excuse me.

- Nathalie, it's me.

I turned on the gas.

I'm going to die.

- I have to go.

It's my mother.
She's crazy.

I have to see to her.
Sorry.

Antonia, I'll call you tonight
for the next class.

Tell your classmates,
even the strikers.

- They won't come.

- Still...

I'll send you the corrections.
And read Alain's "Propos."

I'll tell you which pages.

Good-bye.

How is she?
I'm her daughter.

- It's not serious.

- You're her daughter?

Enough. Three times
this week, for nothing.

- Three times?
- Not true!

He's lying!

- We're firemen, not doctors.

- I know. I'm sorry.

I keep telling her.

- Consider putting her
in hospital.

Call an ambulance but not us.

- I won't go to hospital!

I won't go!

- Sign this release.

She said she called you.
Answer.

- You know how often she calls?

- Your mother
is your responsibility.

- I'm ice cold.

Can I have my mink?

The fireman who tended to me
was cute.

- I'll put you in a rest home
for a bit.

- You can't do that, Nathalie.

- No choice.

I thought your visitors
would help.

You can't be a minute alone.

- Why don't you take me?

- What else?
You'll sleep in my bed too?

I have a husband.

- Yes, it's true.

What's his name again?

- You kidding?

- No, I swear I forgot.
His name?

- Forget it.

- Tell me!

- His name is Heinz.
- What?

- Heinz.

- Oh, yeah.
What an awful name.

How could you marry a guy
with a name like that?

- Hello, Mrs. Lavastre.

How are you today?

- Thanks.
Go on in.

- Already?

- I said all I had to.

- You have two hours left.
Try.

- What for?

This won't change
my grade point average.

- Did Antonia choose
the essay too?

Good.

That's not a problem.

Don't worry about references.

I'm exhausted.
And you?

What is it?
Why so down?

- I must tell you.
I met someone.

- Meaning?

And why tell me?

Couldn't keep it a secret?

- I'm moving in with her.

- What?

Are you sure?

- I'm sure.

- Since when?

- A while.

- A student?

Who, then?

- You don't know her.

- I thought
you'd love me forever.

I'm a goddamn idiot!

- I'll always love you.
You know it.

- Come on.

Lunch is ready.
Just warm it up.

- You're not eating?
- Not here.

Shit.

- See you later.

- Did we forget anything?

- She didn't want her books?

- No, oddly enough.

We'll be back
for Pandora anyway.

I didn't expect this.

I thought she'd scream.
- She gave up.

- Or worry about her cat.
She doesn't care.

She didn't even ask!

- Those are our birds.

We have many pets here.
Our residents appreciate them.

This is the dining room.

Very pretty view
of the countryside.

- I asked for a room upstairs.

I'll tell them to change it.

- It's not a problem.
I'm fine here.

- I'll come back in two days.

You can always call.

You have a phone.

You can go to the hairdresser.

Get a manicure.

If you knew how much
this place cost...

And it's five stars
compared to the others.

That fucking smell...

Smell of death.

- Pandora!
Come on!

Come out!

- We have to remove
the radiator.

- Get inside.

- It's so heavy!

Damn...

What a gift!

And with my allergies...

Go hide, dummy.

What the hell?

What a nerve!

- Sorry I'm late.

I'll lock my bike.

- Another night outside?

- I'm moving out of my studio.
- Really?

To what part of Paris?

- To the mountains, in fact.

- The mountains?

- My friends and I
bought a farm.

A real steal.
Very remote.

- What will you do there?

- Make cheese.
- No, really?

- Yes, really.

Okay, not just that.

I'm going to write too.

- I can't come visit?

- Of course.
As often as you like.

- Can I have a puff?
I'm dying for one.

- Want a cigarette?

- No, just a puff.

I have big news as well.

Heinz and I are separating.

I'm going to divorce.

- Divorce?

You seemed so...

I don't know. United.

- 25 years together
and he found another woman.

There you go.

- Damn.

Sorry.

- No worries.
I'm taking it very well.

Anyway, after 40,
women are fit for the trash.

- How can you say that?
Especially you!

- It's the plain truth.

Do many women my age
leave their husbands?

- There are tons of them.

- In movies.

- You'll obviously find someone.

- Yeah, right.

- Why not?

- I suddenly find you naive.

Who will I start over with?
An old man?

No, thanks.

- Try young
if you don't like old.

- As if I'd settle down
with a young guy.

Not my style.

It's not that serious.
My life isn't over.

Deep down, I was prepared.

No reason to pity me.

I'm lucky to be fulfilled
intellectually.

It's enough to be happy.

- Really?

- Yes, really.

- What wisdom.

- My house in Brittany
saddens me.

I mean
my husband's family house.

Every vacation
since our wedding.

It means so much to me.

The love I put into it.

The garden I planted,
designed from A to Z.

To think I have
to give it all up.

All my memories.

The beach where I saw
my kids grow up.

Sorry.

- Don't worry about it.

- Swim. The water's amazing.

- What are you doing?

- Making room.

- It's not your last time here.

- Of course it is.
What do you think?

- I thought you'd keep on coming
without me.

With the kids.

- No, I don't think so.

I hope she likes flowers.

It'd be a shame
to abandon the garden.

I worked so hard on it.

- You're not overdoing it?

- You won't face up to reality!

You act like everything's
the same.

What planet are you on?

Wake up!

There's no dial tone.

- I meant to call
the phone company tonight.

- What do I do?
No reception here.

- Did you try up on the road?

- I have no network on the road!

Pain in the ass!

Yes, it's Nathalie Chazeaux.

I'm calling to see
how my mother is.

I don't fucking believe it!

It's Nathalie Chazeaux.

I called a few seconds ago.

It's to see how my mother is.

Really?
What do you mean?

Since when?

There's nothing you can do?

But...

I'm going back to Paris.

My mother hasn't eaten
in three days.

There's a train in an hour.

Can you drop me off?

- It's not a ploy
to get you back?

- Of course it is.

What should I do, let her die?

Hello.

Are you okay?

Why do I subscribe you to papers
if you don't read them?

- I'm hungry.

- They don't give me any food.

Got something for me?

Any strawberries?
I'd love strawberries.

And oysters too.

- You're out of luck.

But I have chocolate.

The nurses complain
you won't leave your room.

Not even for the rec room.

- Those old folk
make me want to puke.

- I'm expecting...

more demonstrations.

I am aware that people suffer.

- Who is this guy?

- Are you acting dumb?

It's Sarkozy.

President of France.

- He's ugly.

- You preferred Chirac?

- He wasn't bad.

He made love with his boots on.

- What?

Where did you hear that?

- Everyone knows.

Except for you.

- Sorry, I'm a little late.

- No big deal.

- All well?
- Yes, and you?

- Are they for me?
How beautiful.

- What's his name?
- I don't know.

- What a funny cat.

- It's my mother's. Pandora.

She can't keep her.
I'm allergic.

If anyone wants her,
she's yours.

What are your vacation plans?

- We are all going
to my dad's, in Corsica.

He'll be away.
It'll be cool.

We'll rent a car.

And you?

- I'd rather not discuss it.

- We'll be back in August
for our project.

- A new website.

Thanks to Simon.
He's a computer whiz.

- A website for what?
- Philosophy.

- How wonderful!

- Don't worry.
We won't write the texts.

- What we're good at is doing
layout, getting authors...

the "publishing" side.

We thought maybe
you could sponsor us.

- Write an occasional text,
reread the main articles.

- Maybe write editorials
on current events.

Seen from a philosophical angle,
of course.

- In fact, you want to hire me.

- In a way.

- What the hell?

Come on, leave me alone.

I missed the end of the movie
as it is.

- Can I walk beside you?

- You've seen me now.

- You're beautiful.

- Go away.
I don't feel like it.

Yes?

What?

Fell?
What do you mean, she fell?

What, is she in a coma?

What?

- Hello, ma'am.
- Hello, Father.

My daughter, Chloé.

- Have a seat, please.

- I want the ceremony
to be here.

My mother lived nearby
her whole life.

She was very fond
of this church.

She rarely came, but...

- Yes, I don't recall
seeing her often.

- But she was a believer.

- She was raised
by her grandmother.

As a child she was very frail,
always sick.

Her mother died young.

Her father was a thug.

She barely knew him.

My mother
spent her life suffering

from having felt abandoned.

She didn't go to school.

It was her biggest regret.

She pushed me
to go to university

and become a teacher.

She was proud
her daughter taught philosophy.

- What did she do?

What was her passion?

Did she work?

- She was a model.
She was very pretty.

After that, a medical rep.

She married three times.

My father was
her second husband.

They divorced after two years.

- Why divorce?

- He was unfaithful.

She loved him to the end.

For her, he was the only one.

- Are you an only child?

She has regained this warmth
in her eternal resting place.

She leaves behind her
a proud heritage

of love...

and of hope.

What better tribute could you
have rendered to your mother

than becoming
a philosophy teacher?

For we know

that doubt and questioning

are inextricably bound up
with faith.

You have made this your life.

In the name of the Father,
the Son,

and the Holy Ghost, amen.

- Les Ulis, next exit.

- Not at all.

We get off
at Villebon-sur-Yvette.

Then to the roundabout

and take Youri Gagarine Street.

- Make up your minds.

- Turn here, Dad.

- When?
- Now!

- You try!
Their thing is bullshit.

"This is what I see
and what troubles me.

"I look on all sides

"and see only darkness
everywhere.

"Nature presents to me

"nothing but doubt and concern.

"If I saw nothing there
which revealed a Divinity,

"I would come
to a negative conclusion.

"If I saw everywhere
the signs of a Creator,

"I would remain peacefully
in faith.

"But, seeing too much to deny
and too little to be sure,

"I am in a state to be pitied.

"I have 100 times wished
that if a God maintains nature,

"it should testify to Him
unequivocally.

"If the signs Nature gives
are deceptive,

"He should suppress them fully.

"Nature should say
everything or nothing

"so I see which cause to follow.

"But in my present state,

"ignorant of what I am
or of what I must do,

"I know neither my condition
nor my duty.

"My heart inclines to know
where is the true good

"in order to follow it.

Nothing would be too dear
to me for eternity."

- Let's go next door.

Daniel will join us.

- You summoned me?

- After having consulted
our marketing division,

we decided not to renew
the old textbook.

- We prefer to start
from scratch,

with a new team.

- Okay. Is that all?

- We also have to say
that the essay collection

is being reviewed.

But even repackaged,
it seems iffy.

The future seems compromised.

- And the Horkheimer book?

- The contract was signed.

Though we do have doubts

about an umpteenth text
on the Frankfurt school.

What's done is done.

Christelle will contact you
in September

to finalize the layout.

- Nathalie,
I came by this morning

for the rest of my things.

I did my best
to respect our agreement.

I think we misplaced

"The World as Will
and Representation."

If you find it,
can you put it aside?

Thanks.

- Oh, man!

No way!

My Levinas books
with all my notes.

Unbelievable.

And Buber too?

How could he?

Bastard!

It's too much!

Thanks a lot.

- How are you?

- And you?
Here she is!

- Safe trip?

- It was fine.

She's heavy.

- What's her name?

- Pandora.

- Hey, Pandora!

Full house.
It's a mess.

- Excellent.
Who's there?

- German friends who run
an alternative publishing house.

We're finishing a book together.

I'm being unfaithful.
- Go on, I got fired.

- No way!

- Your Horkheimer essay
is still coming out.

So what's your book about?

- Finding a way out
of the concept of disaster.

But while refusing
political compromise.

Creating a real countervailing
power, alternative lifestyles.

- Quite an agenda.

Be good or it's the forest.

Understand, Pandora?

Don't give me those googly eyes.

- ♪ A curly-headed kid ♪

♪ With a sunshiny smile ♪

♪ Heard the roar of a plane ♪

♪ As it sailed through the sky ♪

♪ To her playmates she cried ♪

♪ With a bright twinkling eye ♪

♪ My daddy rides
that ship in the sky ♪

♪ My daddy rides
that ship in the sky ♪

- Nice music.

- I'm sick of it.

Only CD that works in this car.

Go figure.

- Who is it?

- Woody Guthrie.

Political activist folk singer.

He began in the '30s.
Bob Dylan's idol.

♪ A pug-nosed kid
as he kicked up his heel ♪

♪ Said my daddy works
in the iron and the steel ♪

♪ My daddy makes planes
so they fly through the sky ♪

♪ That's what keeps your daddy
up there so high ♪

♪ That's what keeps your daddy
up there so high ♪

♪ If you ain't afraid,
well, neither am I ♪

♪ 'Cause my daddy keeps
your daddy up there so high ♪

- We listened to the same
records for 20 years.

Brahms and Schumann.

I was sick of it.

To think... my kids are gone,

my husband left me, my mom died.

I've found my freedom.

Total freedom.

I've never experienced it.

It's extraordinary.

- ♪ My dad'll bring your daddy
back home again ♪

♪ Don't be afraid
if it gets dark and rains ♪

♪ My dad'll bring your daddy
back home again ♪

♪ My dad'll bring your daddy
back home again ♪

♪ Don't be afraid
if it gets dark and rains ♪

♪ My dad'll bring your daddy
back home again ♪

- It's heaven here!

- Yeah, it's not bad.

So, Nathalie...

Nathalie, this is Hugo.

- How are you doing?

- Want to see your room?

- It's gorgeous!

This cat is unbearable.
What a pain.

I really have to get rid of her.

- Give her away.
- To who?

An old black cat.
Obese, to boot.

Would you take her?

- Not after that description.

Elsa, Nathalie...

And Clemens.

- Fabien speaks highly of you.
- Really?

- Your husband was my teacher.

- Really?

I hope he didn't leave
a bad memory.

- He traumatized some students.
Not me.

- Really?

- It's thanks to him
I went to study in Berlin.

At Humboldt.

I've moved away
from his ideas now.

Old-fashioned, isn't he?

- It's not him
who got you into anarchism.

Why are you here?

I told you not to go out!

Come back on the double!

Pandora!

Where are you going, dummy?

Come back!

- Such authority!

- She's never been out.
She won't survive.

- Sure she will.

What about instinct?

- After ten years
at my mother's feet,

she mustn't have much.

- She'll be back
once she's hungry.

Our priority has been print.

But not for readers.

- Come back!

- We've always been

against authorship.

My texts belong
to whoever reads them.

- These are the dogmas
we must question.

- If we give up anonymity,
it will be seen as betrayal.

It's the starting point
of our review.

- We can't call ourselves
a collective,

then backtrack to reestablish
the idea of the author.

- If we do,
we lose all credibility.

- Denying reality won't lead
to a new way of thinking.

We're conforming to stereotypes.

You submit to the system
you denounce,

ruled by the notion
of the individual.

- By signing, you don't submit?

- No, the struggle is elsewhere.

I agree with Fabian.

By not signing our name,

we don't abolish the notion
of the author.

We draw even more attention
to ourself.

Meanwhile, waiting to benefit
from the prestige

of an anti-author position.

- What do you say?

- About what?

- Questioning authorship.

- Me?

Nothing.

- Come on.

A philosophy teacher.

- You know, I think I'm too old
for radicality.

- Why?

- I've done that before.

I've been there.

Okay, I have changed.

- But the world is the same.

Only worse.

Pandora!

Pandora!

Pandora?

There you are!

I don't believe it!

A mouse!

You want a compliment?

You're filthy! Yuck!

Little thug!

You'll see.

Here you are.

Punishment time!

Raymond Aron?

Damn.

- Sleep well?
- Yes, and you?

- So?

Did the midnight rambler
come back?

- Yes, this morning.

She had the nerve
to bring me a mouse.

- You see.

Instinct.
- Yep.

I didn't know Zizek
was among your references.

Isn't he fishy?

- I have lots of books.
I don't agree with all of them.

- And the Unabomber
wrote a book?

I hope you place more value
on human life.

- I want action to be
compatible with thought.

It isn't what you teach.

- Why do you say that?

I always insisted on making
actions and thoughts compatible.

I try to practice it myself.

- Yeah, okay.

But only in the private sphere.

- How so?

- You don't let everyday
behavior betray your values.

You don't envision
a thought system

requiring a change
in your lifestyle.

- Meaning?

- You think demonstrations
and petitions

make you
a committed intellectual.

Clear conscience,
same lifestyle.

- You mean my bourgeois
lifestyle?

Why not outgrow these schemes?

I think they're sterile.

- Because it suits you.

- Revolution is not my goal.
It's true.

Mine is more humble.

To help kids think
for themselves.

We may disagree,
but I thought I taught you that.

I have to go to Paris
tomorrow morning.

- Really?

- I just spoke to my super.

There's a leak at my place.

- Shit.

Sure you have to go?

- Yes, unfortunately.

I'm going to bed.

- I've disappointed you.

- It's not the opposite?

- Not at all.

- So all's well.

Good night.

- Good night.

Good night.

- I wasn't nice. It upsets me.

I think she took it badly.

- Here we are, back home.

"One year later"

How are you?

You're here?

Can I hold him?
- Let me.

I just got here.

- Can you wash your hands?

- Yes.

My turn.

- It seems he looks like me.
- Like you?

You crazy?

Not at all.

- Yes, a little.

- Absolutely not.

- Yes, his chin.

- What crap.

The nonsense you have to hear!

He looks like me.

- Good-bye.

- Bye.

- Finally!
I thought he'd never leave.

You're so beautiful.

Those little hands...

He's yawning!

Time to go to sleep.

- What's wrong?

Is it what I said
about your father?

I was joking.

Honey.

It's no big deal.

Don't cry.

Talk to me.

- Give me back my baby.

- "So long as we desire,
we can do without happiness.

"We expect to achieve it.

"If happiness fails to come,

"hope persists,

"and illusion's charm lasts

"as long as the passion
causing it.

"Thus, this condition suffices
to itself

"and the anxiety it inflicts
is a pleasure

"which supplants reality,
perhaps bettering it.

"Woe to him
who has nothing to desire!

"He loses everything he owns.

"We enjoy less what we obtain
than what we desire,

and are happy
only before becoming so."

Julie is recalling
her former passion,

unrequited, with Saint-Preux.

She had hoped to know
true bliss with him,

and this hope made her happy.

Julie could then be happy,

substituting dream for reality.

"That state sufficed
unto itself."

This is the power
of imagination.

It compensates for the absence
of the loved one

with a pleasure
that is purely mental,

unreal in a way,
yet nevertheless effective.

For people with a lot
of imagination,

like Julie,
but probably Rousseau as well,

phantasmagorical satisfaction
is a real comfort

that supplants, replaces,
carnal pleasure.

- Staying a few days?

- Just tonight.

How are you?

- Good, and you?
- Very good.

- How was the trip?
- Fine.

- He's over there.

- Hello.
- Hey there.

- How are you?
- And you?

I'm glad to see you.
- Me too.

- Sorry I couldn't pick you up.
- No problem.

- The farmers brought us meat.

I offered them a drink.
They wouldn't leave.

- Can I help?
- No, go get settled.

Your room is ready.
I won't be long.

- Look, Pandora. Remember?

You already came once.

You'll love it here.

- Can I see the monster?
- Under the bed.

It's still okay?

- Adopting her
is this year's good deed.

- I see.

We'll train you from scratch.

- Not too close too soon.
She'll claw you.

- We have donkeys now.

- Donkeys?

What are their names?

- This is Faloud, the oldest.

- And?
- They're Java and Omega.

- None is named Cadichon?

He's fat.

- She's in foal.

- Pregnant?

Name one baby Cadichon.

- Okay, why not?

- I love donkeys.

Remind me of my childhood.

I lived in a house with donkeys
as a kid.

Any plans for Christmas?

- Elsa and I aren't
into family stuff.

Want any?

- Grass?

Should I?
It's not too strong?

- I don't know.
Try.

- Take it easy.

- I don't think
you'll come back to Paris.

- I like it here.

More time to write.

- How do you get by?

- We teach at university
in Grenoble.

And there's schoolbooks,
Internet...

- Is that enough?
- For now.

It'll be harder
if we have a kid.

And you?

Met anyone?

- Met anyone?

- You're alone?
No one in your life?

- No.

And now that
I'm a grandmother...

- ♪ Deep peace ♪

♪ Of the quiet earth to you ♪

- Seen my cat?

I mean, my ex-cat.

You work at night.

- I couldn't sleep.

- You okay?

- Everything is spinning.

- Shit.

I shouldn't have let you
get high.

- Mind if I stay here?

- Of course not.

Lie down.

- ♪ Deep peace ♪

♪ Deep peace
of the eastern wind to you ♪

- Some water?

- I'm okay.

But talk to me.

- What should I talk about?

- Talk about yourself.

- ♪ Deep peace
of the northern wind to you ♪

♪ Blue wind
of the south to you ♪

♪ Pure red
of the whirling flame to you ♪

♪ Pure white
of the silver moon to you ♪

♪ Pure green
of the emerald grass to you ♪

♪ Deep peace ♪

♪ Deep peace
of the running wave to you ♪

♪ Deep peace
of the flowing air to you ♪

♪ Deep peace
of the quiet earth to you ♪

♪ Deep peace ♪

- Nathalie?

You scared me!

- I was early.
It was cold, so I came in.

- You have some nerve!

I could have been with a lover.

Can you imagine?

I swear...

Give me back my keys.

- Here.

- Why are you here again?

Oh, yeah, Schopenhauer.

Here.

- Thanks.

I'm really glad.
I missed it.

- I'd ask you to stay,
but the kids are coming.

I'm late.

- I left gifts under the tree.

What are you making?

- Cornish hen.

With chestnuts
and mashed potatoes.

- They're lucky.
- You bet they are.

Damn hen cost me a fortune.

Who are you spending
Christmas with?

Your girlfriend?

- She's with her family
in Spain.

- She didn't invite you?

- I have too much work.

80 exams and I'm behind
on my translation of "The Dawn."

- Poor guy.

Spending Christmas all alone?

- Don't worry about me.
I'll get a good book.

Some salami and wine
and I'll be fine.

- Now that you have your
Schopenhauer, all's well.

- Exactly.

- You should go.
I'm in a rush.

- I'm going. I'm going.

Give my grandson a kiss.

- You can count on me.

Has anyone noticed
anything different?

- Here?

- Here.

- New carpet?

- New hairdo?

- You're not very sharp.

Use your heads.

- I don't know.

- I don't see.

- I give up.

- Pandora!

- No way!

- Pandora's gone.

- Found a taker?
Pay him a lot?

- You could have told us.

- Seriously.

- We didn't even say good-bye.

- As if you cared.

- Who's the happy taker?

- Fabien, my former student.

The one in the mountains.

Oh, yeah, by the way...

- Give me your plate.

- For your son.

From him.

- For Leonard?

How nice.
- Can I see?

- You'll thank him?

Look.

- "The Mysteries of Plato."

Not too early for philosophy?

- It's never too early!

- A little.

- I'll go.
I prefer you eat it hot.

- I'll sing you a song.

What should I sing?

- ♪ By the clear fountain ♪

♪ As I went for a walk ♪

♪ I found the water
so beautiful ♪

♪ I went in to bathe ♪

♪ I have loved you for so long ♪

♪ That I will never forget you ♪

♪ Under the oak trees ♪

♪ I dried myself off ♪

♪ On the highest branch ♪

♪ A nightingale sang ♪

♪ I have loved you so long ♪

♪ That I will never forget you ♪

♪ Sing, nightingale, sing ♪

♪ With your carefree heart ♪

♪ Your heart is full of joy ♪

♪ And mine is full of tears... ♪

- ♪ Oh, my love ♪

♪ Oh, my love ♪

♪ My darling ♪

♪ I've hungered for your touch ♪

♪ A long lonely time ♪

- ♪ Oh, my love ♪

- ♪ Time goes by ♪

♪ So slowly ♪

♪ And time can do so much ♪

- ♪ Need your love ♪

- ♪ Are you still mine? ♪

♪ I need your love ♪

♪ God speed your love ♪

♪ To me ♪

♪ My love ♪

♪ Oh, my love ♪

♪ Lonely rivers flow ♪

- ♪ River flow, river flow ♪

- ♪ To the sea ♪

- ♪ To the sea ♪
- ♪ To the sea ♪

- ♪ To the open arms ♪

♪ Of the sea ♪

- ♪ Of the sea,
the sea, the sea ♪

- ♪ Lonely rivers sigh ♪

- ♪ Rivers sigh, rivers sigh ♪

- ♪ Wait for me ♪

- ♪ Wait for me ♪
- ♪ Wait for me ♪

- ♪ I'll be coming home ♪

♪ Wait for me ♪

♪ My love ♪

♪ Oh, my love ♪

♪ My love ♪