La Face (2016) - full transcript
No!
LOSING FACE
Fanny Morane, 70,
a Bergerane celebrity, has been
sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Fanny Morane burned down
Mr. Novenski's office.
Novenski, who had seized
Morane's property, died in the fire
along with his wife.
The verdict comes as a result
of the indictment of prosecutor
Berthier, whose success is legendary.
Any comments, Mr. Georgelet?
The mitigating circumstances
in this case
weren't taken into account.
It seems the jury
didn't listen to my plea.
However, as soon as
the prosecutor opened his mouth,
the court heeded him,
without a trace of reserve.
If Berthier had asked
for my client to be lapidated,
the jury would have rushed
to get some stones.
There's Berthier!
Another successful case, sir.
You were the one who put
the rapist of Bergeran behind bars.
Could this victory boost your career?
Will you seek a transfer
to a larger jurisdiction?
Do you know how old Morane
will be when released?
The word 'victory'
seems inappropriate.
Justice prevailed.
I merely defended
the interests of the Prosecution.
Do all these achievements
make you feel proud?
Absolutely not.
I defend this country
and its citizens.
Regarding Morane, she'll be 82
years old upon release,
but she won't spend
12 years in prison.
She will be released earlier,
probably in 8 or 9 years.
I have no further comment.
Thank you very much.
Mr. Prosecutor...
Have you watched
Morane's movies?
I saw an old film of hers.
I wonder if it was a silent movie.
That prosecutor's pretty relentless.
I mean, poor lady.
He's efficient, that's for sure.
I couldn't sleep anymore
with that rapist on the loose.
I'm glad he put him behind bars.
Damn, hide away.
- What's wrong?
- It's Guillaume.
- Are you sure?
- I'm positive.
We'll use the back door.
Alright.
Why don't you try talking to him?
Something's off about him.
I'm sick of him.
If he keeps stalking me like this,
I'll go to the police.
OK, let's go.
Yes, madam. I'll tell him
and I'll call you back.
Thank you.
Congratulations, Paul.
You were incredible.
The jury didn't look too convinced.
I almost started to doubt,
but then you got your way with them.
It was outstanding.
Thank you, Ms. Deputy Prosecutor.
Charente FM would like you
to go to their morning radio show.
Definitely not.
The case is closed,
I've done my job.
There's nothing to be said.
I exit the stage,
whether people cheer me or boo me.
Is it always sunny over here?
Clearly, you didn't grew up here.
Wait till winter comes...
Tell me about winter here.
Don't you think it's too soon
to talk weather?
- Come on, give me a kiss.
- Yes.
Inside page?
Don't you think it deserves better?
Tomorrow, when people read this,
Charente FM
will have said everything.
We're always behind.
When your dad founded this paper,
there was no TV or radio.
You have to adapt.
OK. Inside page it is.
But I want a front page picture.
- Fanny Morane?
- Not her. She's done for.
I want the guy who sent her to jail.
Berthier.
She barely looked at her
during the trial.
The crime was the only thing he saw.
Temporary insanity, you mean.
There's nothing glorious about
sending a 70-year-old to prison.
Berthier doesn't care about glory.
That guy is like Robespierre.
He only cares about justice.
What are your plans for today?
No plans.
This warrior needs to rest.
Really?
I'll let you sleep, then.
- I might have a better idea.
- I'm listening.
Making love on the grass.
I don't know.
If the grass is high, why not?
You're afraid someone
will see you with me?
No.
I'm not afraid of anything.
Bighead.
Vauban Group
Welcome, everyone.
This is Philippe Braquefort
from Regiotel,
a company specialized
in bringing TV to remote areas.
Go ahead.
Hello, everybody.
Vauban told us about his project...
Yes. Charente FM had a voice,
and now, it could also have a face.
However, television needs
infrastructure,
which require a bigger investment
than a website or a radio station.
Initially, you would need
a budget of 4 million euros.
We have gathered
those 4 million euros.
The Regional Council
has offered their support
and will give us
an extra 3 million euros.
That is very good news.
You're going
to need political support.
The Vauban Group
is no stranger to politics.
Many council members,
mayors and prefects
are in debt with us.
So, rest assured,
a TV station
in the midst of an election campaign,
is like a gift to them.
What is it, Laurence?
It's your son.
He wants to talk to you.
Alright. Excuse me.
What's the matter, Guillaume?
What?
No, not all policemen are assholes.
Did you tell them who I was?
Alright.
Talk to captain Soriano.
Soriano. That's right.
I'll be right there.
OK.
Thank you, Laurence.
I'm sorry.
My son needs me.
I'm going to have to leave you.
Young people think they know it all,
but as soon as a bigger dog barks,
they call for daddy's help.
I'll leave you with Mr. Braquefort,
who will answer your questions.
Thank you very much.
I'm sorry.
I'm like Bluebeard, you know.
who murdered his wives
and kept their corpses.
In this case, she almost killed you.
Yeah.
You know me, Mr. Vauban.
I'm always accommodating.
- But your son has crossed the line.
- Figuratively speaking?
Yes and no.
Driving under the influence,
failure to present license
and other ID documents, contempt,
insults and threats
to a public official...
I've heard enough, Soriano.
I'll make you a check
for an institution.
It's not that simple.
We searched him
before taking him to his cell,
and we found this.
Did you know Guillaume took drugs?
Like many others.
This isn't just for personal use.
Guillaume doesn't have the skills
to be a dealer.
Who paid for his bike?
The Yamaha 1900?
It was a present from me.
What about gas?
That's a high-consumption bike.
He's a kid.
I give him some pocket money.
He still has no job?
I told him
he could work at the station,
from 11 PM to 2 AM.
No audience, so no risks.
At least, I know where he is.
I'm a responsible father.
Can you free him now?
Of course.
- Did you take your swim shorts?
- Swim shorts?
- We're going to the river.
- I don't have any.
Considering this town
is relatively far from the ocean,
I didn't pack
my bathing suit, flip-flops, etc.
It's time for me
to take control, then.
Alright.
- Hello, sir.
- Hello.
- I'm looking swim shorts.
- What kind of shorts?
Just swim shorts.
- We have several styles.
- I can see that.
But this isn't my style, at all.
We have others over here.
That's more sober.
More like me.
You're the court guy?
I'm the prosecutor, yes.
Your picture's everywhere.
It's funny to have you
at the boutique.
No. This stripe here is...
This is much better.
If someone had trouble...
If someone was constantly
bothered my another person,
would you take the case?
I'll take this.
Do you have it in my size?
Thank you.
- You don't want to answer?
- Yes. I'm sorry.
You mean harassment?
- Something like that.
- You're the interested party?
- I didn't say that.
- No, you didn't.
Whether it is you or not,
the problem's the same.
The person must go to the police.
Then, the complaint
is referred to the Prosecutor.
That would be you.
I'm a lucky girl, then.
Or the Deputy Prosecutor.
How much is it?
There.
- Catoun is a very pretty girl.
- Catoun? That's a cute name.
Catoun Garrel,
Miss Pineau des Charentes 2014-2015.
Two years in a row?
Is that legal?
We should investigate.
How is that possible?
There are not enough pretty girls.
- You should enter the contest.
- Nonsense.
Imagine if you were a runner-up.
That'd be awful.
- This looks like a nice place.
- Yes. It's beautiful.
Let me introduce you
to Wet Stones Creek.
Nice to meet you.
I used to come here
with my grandfather.
He loved watching
the birds catch fish.
Want to come in the water?
I'm not sure
about these swim shorts, after all.
You can swim naked.
We're all alone.
If I join you, it won't be
for swimming purposes only.
Careful.
The water's cold.
Come on, Paul.
Come with me.
Show me how you dive.
- Is there a problem?
- What are you doing?
It's noon.
You're supposed to be in bed.
You force me to work.
I don't force you to anything,
my dear Guillaume. I mean...
I help you make money
so you can buy drugs.
If your mother knew!
May she rest in peace.
- Leave her alone.
- You're right.
But remember that thanks
to your slave-driver dad,
you were able to keep
your driver's license and your bike.
Should I say 'thank you'?
That would be a nice start.
That's right, go.
I wouldn't know
what to give you as a present.
I don't know what you like.
I like theater,
painting, literature...
Nothing original.
I'll buy you a book, then.
What do you read, apart from law
and crime novels
where the murderer's killed?
I have nothing against morality,
as long as it's fiction.
For instance,
I've just finished a book
where the main character
is a hired killer
who murders women abusers.
She's hired by a wealthy old lady
who is obsessed by justice.
I like the idea
of an old lady punishing
what men consider normal.
You're right.
There are no minor crimes
in the eyes of justice.
There is law and non-law.
That's it.
There are also
mitigating circumstances.
You can't just ignore them.
That's for the judges to assess
and for the defense to plead.
Mitigating circumstances
are not under my jurisdiction.
You don't believe
in crimes of passion?
Yes, but it's
a totally different thing.
Beliefs have nothing to do here.
That's a romantic vision,
and there's no romance in law.
Is there a place for romance
in your life?
That depends on you.
Really?
It all rests on me.
That's right.
In a way, yes.
What...
No! No!
Are you OK?
Yes. I think...
I think I had a nightmare.
See those clouds?
A storm is coming.
We have to go.
- Are you OK, Paul?
- Yes.
Are you sure?
I didn't have time to get dressed.
A storm can be deadly.
I once saw a lightning.
It was like a ball of fire.
You're scared of storms!
Come on, let's go.
Calm down.
We're going to help you.
There are other people
in this situation.
The fire department is very busy.
Over 150 calls
reporting flooded basements.
It's not our job to clean their mess.
You're overreacting, sir.
You'll find your daughter.
She's gone missing many times.
She always comes back.
Have you checked the store?
Maybe she went to see
if everything was fine.
She was supposed
to be there till noon.
It's dark and I still got no news.
It's Saturday, it's almost 10 PM.
Let Cinderella have some fun.
- Her name is Catoun.
- OK. Catoun.
- How does she usually commute?
- By bike.
She probably got stuck
in a flooded path, and is waiting.
Waiting for what?
For the path to clear up.
She would have called.
She has a wireless phone.
A wireless phone?
She probably has bad signal.
Antennas are dead
because of the storm.
Go home, Marcelin.
This is Paul Berthier.
Call back later or leave
a message after the tone.
Thank you.
Paul, it's me.
You're not answering
your cell phone. Where are you?
Pick up the phone, please.
You were behaving oddly.
I'm worried.
The police are trying to reach you
regarding a missing girl.
Catoun Garrel.
I was probably asleep.
The machine broke down,
I don't know.
That would make a nice gift.
Hello, miss.
Mr. Prosecutor.
- Is that Catoun Garrel's father?
- Yes. He won't go home.
There you are!
I need to speak to you.
Captain Soriano's waiting for us.
I won't take long.
Meet me at the courthouse
this afternoon. Second floor.
No, I need to speak
to you right now.
It's about my daughter.
Please, find her.
I will pay you.
Just tell me how much.
My wife had a couple of things.
I inherited them after she passed.
So, how much?
Missing people
are not under my jurisdiction.
Everybody says you're the best.
- Don't leave me, Your Honor.
- I'm a prosecutor.
I don't care.
Just find my Catoun.
Let the police work.
It's their job.
You have to trust them.
I only trust you.
I'm not what you think.
Mr. Prosecutor?
Excuse me. Thank you.
We went to the store
to buy a pair of swim shorts.
Was Catoun there?
Yes, she was there.
How was she?
What do you mean?
That's a weird question.
Nice and professional.
Yes, of course.
No premonition that you'd be
the last person to see her alive?
You don't know that yet.
Other clients probably
entered the store where she worked.
Yours was the last sales
receipt of the day.
Why do you say
"the store where she worked"?
I don't understand your question.
You could've said "where she works".
Why using the past tense?
Yes, it's true.
There's no reason
to think she's dead.
You'll find her, Captain.
I'm sure you will.
What did you do afterwards?
Ms. Florian took me to the...
Wet Stones Creek.
It's a dangerous place.
There are strong currents there
that can sweep you away.
If a person drowned there,
their body would be found miles away.
Hey, Jean-Mi!
Check this out!
It's Catoun!
Catoun Garrel!
Jesus Christ, he found the girl!
- Where is she?
- Who?
- Catoun.
- What do I know?
- You said...
- I found her bike.
I've seen it.
She passes by everyday.
Come and see.
Did you find anything on that bike?
The girl left it in the woods.
But she loved that bike.
It was her source of freedom.
Is she afraid of someone?
Did she run away
or did she drown?
The river squad is going
to explore the area.
That's good.
What about the neighbors?
They didn't say anything.
However, we have
Laura Chatelier's testimony.
She's Catoun's co-worker
at the Sportissimo store.
She only pretends to be flirtatious.
- Did Guillaume Vauban hit on her?
- He stalks her.
Catoun couldn't care less about him.
- What kind of boy does she like?
- No idea.
Are you friends?
Yes, but that doesn't mean
we share every secret.
She's very private.
Did she and Guillaume
go out together?
To the movies, a couple of times,
but that would be it.
It couldn't last, and it didn't last.
- She broke up with him?
- Several times.
- How did he react?
- Badly.
Meaning?
He threatened her?
That's what she said.
What kind of threat?
Death threat.
It's just words.
Young people don't see death
like you old folks do.
It's beautiful.
That's G. Vauban.
What else can you tell me about him?
He's an idiot.
A spoiled brat,
an arrogant guy, full of himself.
Classic.
You never had to prosecute him?
He's been arrested many times.
He beat a taxi driver because
he had looked at his girlfriend.
- Catoun Garrel?
- No. Some Mathilde girl.
I think.
He's always with a different girl.
Although she said the driver
hadn't bothered her,
he ended up sending
the guy to the hospital.
- Did he press charges?
- Yes.
The charges were dropped
right away.
Why?
His father intervened.
I don't know what he said,
but the driver dropped charges
and even presented his apologies.
There's no one else
to put him in his place?
His mother committed suicide.
- Alcohol, depression...
- I understand now.
Wasn't Jacques de Groves
the prosecutor
at that time?
That's why Guillaume
never went to jail.
You mean...
De Groves and Vauban
know each other.
De Groves knew everything
about Vauban's competitors,
wiretapping sessions,
planned police raids...
He would warn Vauban,
who would sidestep the attack
or perfect his defense.
What did De Groves
have to gain in doing all that?
He was named Prosecutor General
at the Poitiers Court of Appeals
thanks to a lobby campaign
orchestrated by Charente FM.
You know so many things.
I'm impressed, you know?
I want to kiss you
really bad right now.
Here? Or you'd rather
return to the creek?
Nice bike.
- First time here?
- Yes.
It won't be the last one.
Guillaume is a regular customer.
- I don't have time for this.
- We won't take long.
Last time a cop said that,
he left me in a cell for 36 hours.
I'm working on my bike.
The house is a mess.
OK, fine. Come in.
You never slept
with the Garrel girl?
No.
Does that disappoint you?
- She's cute, though.
- Yes.
- But oh, well.
- "Oh, well"?
She doesn't want me.
Sounds like you're upset.
I'm not upset,
I just think it's very stupid.
Where were you
the day she disappeared?
I got arrested
by one of your buddies.
That was the night of the 26th
through the 27th.
But you were released in the morning.
What did you do then?
I rode my bike through the fields.
I wanted to forget.
Any witnesses of that ride?
- I have plenty.
- OK. We're listening.
My pleasure.
There was a rabbit,
three cows near Calvaire,
a stray dog...
You're seriously jerking us around.
I'm telling you the truth, gentlemen.
But you'll never change.
If I don't do what you want,
then I'm a liar
and lock me in a cage
that stinks of piss, shit and puke.
Oh, dear... This world
is a huge misunderstanding.
Glass of whisky?
As you can see, the prints we found
seem to suggest
that after leaving her bike,
Catoun Garrel walked to the river.
Seem to suggest?
Of course.
Further investigation is required -
molding, etc.
None of the prints indicate
that Catoun took her bike again.
However, to go back to town,
she would've had to turn back.
The creek is a dead end.
Very well.
And so your conclusion is...?
I believe she fell in the river -
either she threw herself
or someone pushed her.
The river squad
hasn't found anything yet.
Nothing yet.
Maybe there's nothing to be found.
Why are you so certain
that the girl drowned?
There are other ways to die.
What makes you think she died?
It's been ten days.
Nobody has seen her.
When a child is reported missing,
the hypothesis of death is the most
plausible one after 48 hours.
Catoun Garrel's not a child anymore.
Anyway, thank you, Langelin.
I have a hearing to prepare.
Call me if you find anything new.
One more thing, sir.
Captain Soriano told me
that you had had a picnic
on the same day and time
that Ms. Garrel went missing,
where the bike was found.
Yes, that's correct.
I was at the creek that day,
with Ms. Florian.
We were there from 12 AM
to 3 PM, approximately.
When Laura, her co-worker,
arrived at Sportissimo
to take over,
Catoun had left a note
saying she was
vacating the premises at around 1 PM.
It's a one-hour ride
to get to the place
where her bicycle was found.
This means Catoun left her bike
somewhere between 2 and 3 PM,
at around 100 meters
from the place you were.
Then, she went to the creek.
You didn't see
or hear anything at all?
Nothing at all.
We also found blood
on the grass, near the bike.
Is it hers?
The DNA tests confirm it.
And quite evidently,
it wasn't a simple scratch.
Maybe a car hit her
and she fell off her bicycle.
I doubt it.
Her bike has no signs of damage.
It's an old bike, but it's her baby.
If she was hurt,
she could've asked you for help.
Yes, but as I've already told you,
I didn't hear or see anything.
The river down there is quite noisy.
If you don't believe me,
you can ask my deputy.
There's no reason
to be offended, sir.
Of course I believe you.
But... Excuse me.
Chief Officer Langelin.
Yes?
What?
Where?
Are you positive?
Call Captain Soriano
and the coroner.
Captain.
Mr. Prosecutor.
I have to perform the autopsy,
but one thing I can tell you is,
I don't think drowning
is the cause of death.
- Why do you say that?
- There's a head injury.
A large, deep wound
from where she lost blood
and a fair amount of brain tissue.
Maybe she got hurt
while in the water.
She could have
bumped her head on the bottom.
That's unlikely.
I would have found similar injuries
elsewhere in her body.
The other injuries
were caused by a blade.
Only her skull was broken.
A very big fracture indeed!
I would say
someone hit her in the head
with a heavy stone.
She was thrown in the water.
Did the killer count on the current
to carry the body away?
So Catoun Garrel
was possibly murdered.
Very well, doctor.
Carry on and keep us informed.
Gentlemen, as you will understand,
I cannot order an investigation
based on mere observations,
as troubling as they may be.
Which they are.
Shall we go, Langelin?
Thank you, doctor. Captain.
Any news on Catoun?
Murder hasn't been confirmed.
The coroner
hasn't issued his final report yet.
He's had the body for three days.
He can't determine
the cause of death?
The cause of death
is skull fracture caused by trauma.
Accident or assault?
The doctor needs
to carry on the investigation.
Well, I won't wait.
The paper's going to choose.
We will fuel and support
the theory of a murder.
What's going on?
You said the police
interrogated G. Vauban.
What if her death
was accidental, after all?
Félix, look me in my eyes.
Do you think I'm wrong?
You know Guillaume is shady.
Trust me, I know
what I'm talking about. Do it.
Catoun Garrel
A Murder Case?
Put the bastard behind bars!
- Hello, sir.
- Ms. Deputy Prosecutor.
I wanted to tell you that...
Fanny Morane
committed suicide last night.
Since I saw you first,
could you please
inform the Prosecutor?
I don't feel
like shaking hands with him.
Thank you, Deputy Prosecutor.
Mélanie, please,
she killed herself.
She wasn't executed.
Fanny Morane's death is tragic,
but I'm not not blame.
That's not what I said.
We all have moments of weakness.
Believe me, I know.
Fortunately, not everybody
commits suicide for...
For so little?
That's what
you were going to say?
You can be so harsh, Paul.
I got this.
The assessment on Catoun's bike.
Alright, so...
"Guillaume's fingerprints were found
"on the handlebars.
"He possibly faced the bicycle
"to prevent
Catoun Garrel from leaving.
"He grabbed the handlebars
so she would stop".
What happened next?
Guillaume must be interrogated.
Yes, yes. Of course.
Mélanie Florian, Deputy Prosecutor.
Yes.
Yes, of course.
Soriano.
Very well.
I'll give him your message.
The police found something.
I was dying to do it.
Read!
I know you wouldn't be capable
of killing that Catoun girl.
But this goddamn paper
clearly thinks you are.
They think you're
the perfect suspect. Bravo!
If you need an alibi, I'm here.
What for?
I didn't do anything.
- Damn it!
- Dad?
Shut up!
Just... shut up.
A bandana. And?
Langelin found it in some bushes
near the crime scene.
And so you conclude it's a murder?
The examining magistrate
will rule the death,
after we hear
the main and only suspect.
Whom?
Guillaume Vauban. The bandana
complicates things for him.
Besides, it's the typical item
a motorcyclist would wear.
There are other people in Bergerane
who wear bandanas.
It's a bit flimsy.
Don't you think. Captain?
Hello, madam.
Mr. Prosecutor, welcome.
Come on in.
This is your table.
- Thank you.
- I'll be right back.
I'm so tired of being scrutinized
by these people everywhere I go.
As if they were going
to clap their hands
and start chanting: "Trial!"
It's intolerable.
It's understandable.
They see Guillaume
swaggering on his bike,
no explanation whatsoever.
Explanation? About what?
- That girl didn't just die.
- Maybe she did, after all.
What do we know?
Did you hear anything?
See anything?
Me neither.
We don't know how that girl died.
As a matter of fact,
the police don't know either.
There is no justified suspicion
against G. Vauban.
Only a few rumors and a bandana.
Unbelievable. A bandana.
All those people are jealous
of his father's fortune.
People want blood, Mélanie.
People want...
Are you OK?
Yes, I'm fine.
It's just a small cut.
Berthier? Hey!
- What are you doing here?
- I was having lunch.
I came to the restroom
and found you here.
May I ask what happened?
A little cut.
I must have fainted.
Help me get up.
Wash your face.
Holy cow!
Thank you, Philippe.
- Are you going to be OK?
- Yes.
You're under pressure right now.
I may be able to help you.
I know what you're trying to do.
Guillaume Vauban, right?
Why are you taking so long
to start an investigation?
Maybe because I wasn't sure
about the murder hypothesis.
- That's probably why.
- You're sure now?
Now it's your job to convince me.
You'll have the referral tomorrow,
first thing in the morning.
Tell me...
What's the population of Bergerane?
42,000, according to the last census.
Guillaume Vauban alone against
42,000 prosecutors. Good luck.
And with you as their chief...
Yes.
What's the point
of hiring an audit company
if you won't heed their advice?
It's not my problem
if they don't like the music.
My job is to bring them new things.
Those idiots have shitty taste.
No, Guillaume.
Your job here is to...
Yes, Laurence?
What do they want?
No. You don't know
where Guillaume is. Period.
Did you get the summons?
- Perhaps.
- You didn't go?
You didn't apologize either?
The police are looking for you.
Guillaume!
Come back!
Guillaume, stop!
I have a bench warrant.
Don't be a jerk.
Guillaume, stop!
Guillaume!
Bergerane station will not be a part
of the future high-speed track.
Our authorities' challenge will be
to convince the Regional Council.
The vice-president
will comment on this issue,
although a few hours ago...
I want to tell you
that it's all bullshit.
I'm Guillaume Vauban,
and I didn't kill Catoun Garrel.
I'm innocent, do you hear me?
I'm innocent.
- Get off me!
- It's over.
You, bastards!
Dad, tell them they're wrong.
I'm Guillaume Vauban,
and I didn't kill Catoun Garrel.
I'm innocent, do you hear me?
- Guillaume.
- Get off me!
- Calm down.
- You bastards!
I'm innocent!
Dad, tell them they're wrong!
- Stop!
- Let me go, damn it.
- Calm down.
- I'm innocent!
Laurence, please call Mrs. Gasco
at her office. She's a lawyer.
Tell her to cancel her meetings
and to come as soon as possible.
Thank you.
This will be a hard day.
I won't have time to do everything.
If you need help...
Yes.
As you know,
Vauban appeared before Charvin,
who put him in custody.
Charvin said he was
a danger to society.
The bail hearing
is set for today at 3 PM,
which isn't good.
I wanted to spend the afternoon
on the Dubreuil indictment.
The Dubreuil case?
That small fraud trial?
I mean, it's ridiculous, Paul.
According to you.
But it's for me to judge.
I'm sorry.
So, I would like you to represent me
at the hearing.
- Can I count on you?
- Yes, of course.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
I guess this is life together.
I'm sorry.
I assure you,
there will be nicer moments.
Any instructions
you want to give me?
Just one.
We agree.
He should stay in custody.
Mr. Vauban,
I am so glad to see you.
Always a pleasure.
Mr. de Groves is waiting.
Very well.
Gentlemen, two babas.
Thank you very much.
I understand, my friend,
but the law doesn't say
that a magistrate should hurry
regarding the visitors permit.
Usually, convicts' relatives
have to wait several weeks
until they can have visits.
They do?
I wonder why we fought
so you could get
that Prosecutor General position.
Rest assured, it's the kind of favor
that a man never forgets.
I'm assured, yes.
At Charente FM, we never forget.
It would be a real shame
if certain secrets
confided by you, came to light.
It would be bothersome.
Secrets? Me?
Yes, you.
Secrets. Absolutely.
You know what it is.
Undertones, confessions,
unfortunate indiscretions
that you can air when you think
the microphone is switched off.
The lights can be off, but that
doesn't mean the mike is, too.
If you knew how many magistrates,
politicians -
male and female - unionists
and CEOs got caught
in that kind of out-takes game.
I won't tolerate Guillaume
being tried at the criminal court
for a murder he didn't commit.
I should have told you
the day it happened
because you, too, were there.
You were sleeping.
You didn't see anything.
She was there,
with her shirt in her hand,
trying to soak it in the water.
Her hair was all over her face,
she had blood running down
her arm and her leg.
There was blood everywhere,
she was crying...
She was too close to the edge.
She slipped
and she fell down, head first.
The rock gashed her head.
I swear, I wanted to get
in the water and save her,
but instead,
I stayed there, next to you,
paralyzed, petrified, unable
to do anything whatsoever.
I watched that poor girl
drowning and I did nothing.
I didn't understand, at the time.
I could see myself like one
of the accused I see everyday,
waiting for me to punish them.
I know what the charges are
and I know what punishment
they'll get, according to the law.
However, I've never figured out
why do they what they do.
The truth is sometimes
so deep, so far to find the truth.
And then I remembered.
Honey, you're driving too fast.
We've drunk too much.
- Just two or three drinks.
- More like four or five.
They were little drinks.
We'll be there soon, anyway.
There are no cops on this road.
Maybe not, but there are curves.
That's what's fun about it.
I love curves.
Watch out!
Honey?
Dorothée!
No! No!
No! Help!
Help us!
Somebody help us!
Gentlemen, I would like
to have a word with you.
I was going to invite you
to lunch after the funeral,
but I have to fly to Paris.
Far be it from me to interfere
in the Vauban trial,
but I personally suggest you
to keep your distance.
I know and admire your free thinking
and your dynamism,
but I would like to be sure
that neither of you
act with excessive zeal
to attribute
the murder of the young...
Catoun Garrel.
Catoun, Catoun...
What a strange name it is.
To ascribe the murder...
to Guillaume Vauban.
Mr. Prosecutor General,
the charges against that boy...
Naturally, you had some
quite serious reasons
for placing him under investigation.
Didn't you, Your Honor?
Weren't you - by any chance -
influenced by the public opinion
and the people's resentment
towards a young man
who comes from a wealthy, powerful,
and thus envied family?
The same remark goes for you.
Of course I had several reasons
to open an investigation.
Charvin took over...
I ordered Guillaume's arrest
to protect him from social stoning.
It was in his best interest.
The current situation
of the Vauban boy is not the problem.
I am actually worried about
his future trial.
A few days ago, at the chancellery,
I was approached by a collaborator
of the Secretary of Justice...
Let me guess.
Was it Serge Vauban?
Be it as it may, this eminent
collaborator of the Attorney General
insisted that you and judge Charvin -
his two local favorites,
as he amiably calls you -
do not let yourselves
carried away by your zeal.
A girl was murdered.
Please, Your Honor.
The cause of death
was traumatic brain injury.
Caused by a blunt object.
Perhaps. However,
"perhaps" is not "definitely".
That object was never found.
As far as I know, Guillaume Vauban
was very much in love
with the Catoun girl,
and he keeps
claiming innocence everyday.
This is nonsense.
The case must be dismissed.
And the public opinion
would accept the dismissal.
Of course, we should prepare it first
with the provisional release
of the defendant.
You don't say!
He's not very happy, but his job...
is almost over, I must say.
As opposed to yours.
How will you carry out
your prosecution speech?
I haven't elaborated a strategy yet,
but I'm thinking about it.
You do realize how important you are
for society and for justice itself.
Let me tell you that
the people of Bergerane
consider you as
a crusader against iniquity,
an outstanding... righter of wrongs.
Besides, you have served justice
with such a devotion,
that it might be time for you
to start thinking about yourself.
That's why
I would like to tell you...
that a Prosecutor General position...
in Bordeaux
is going to be vacant soon.
Hello, madam.
This way, please.
Charente FM,
the radio that listens to you.
With us now is Mrs. Giselle Gasco,
Guillaume Vauban's lawyer.
- Hello, Mrs. Gasco.
- Hello.
What can you tell us
about today's reconstruction
at the creek?
It was the occasion to hear Vauban's
claims of innocence yet again.
Poignant declarations
made with such conviction
that we wonder why people
are still questioning his sincerity.
Another interesting element
is the presence
of prosecutor Berthier
and Mrs. Mélanie Florian
at the surroundings
of the alleged crime scene.
An interesting statement?
This may surprise you, but no.
They were at less than 50 m away
from the so-called crime scene,
and yet, they didn't see
or hear anything.
- That's puzzling.
- And so your conclusion is...?
Honestly, I wouldn't even think
about the prosecutor and his deputy
hiding part of the truth
in whatever circumstance,
so I suppose
nothing happened that day,
in which case my client
would be cleared from all charges.
Thank you for coming to Charente FM.
Charente FM.
And now, our weather forecast.
Tomorrow morning, sunny
skies for western Charente,
although clouds
will gather in the afternoon
due to a sea front that...
Were you listening to the radio?
Who's Giselle Gasco?
What is she playing at?
She's doing her job, honey.
That's all.
But I do intend to fight back,
especially since
the people are with me.
She's backed up
by Serge Vauban's firepower.
The only power Vauban has,
is the love for his son.
And justice doesn't care
about love, does it?
Although sometimes
it doesn't care about truth, either.
What if he's innocent?
Then I would lose face.
And justice would lose face, too.
So, he can't be innocent.
You look beautiful tonight.
Justice for Catoun!
Good. Please tell
your full name to this court.
Guillaume Thomas Etienne Vauban.
Profession?
Most people think I have none,
or says I'm a pain in the ass.
Order, please.
This is no place for jokes, sir.
Especially not jokes of bad taste.
My apologies, Your Honor.
- Can I say something?
- Once the questioning begins.
It's an important statement.
You don't decide
how this trial is conducted!
Only a few minutes ago,
my client revealed to me
what he wants to say.
His statement might change
the course of this trial.
Well.
The defendant has the floor.
Be brief.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Don't worry,
this will only take a few seconds.
What I want to say is that
you must not take into account
my version up to now.
I'm actually guilty
of the murder of Catoun Garrel.
I killed her.
What is that nonsense?
He's lying!
He couldn't have killed that girl!
Order!
Sit down.
Order, or I'll clear the room.
Your Honor, I ask for a recess.
The defense agrees with the motion
of the public prosecution.
Very well.
The hearing is now suspended.
The trial will resume at 2 PM.
Take the defendant.
Wait... Did you hear that?
He confessed!
He said it!
He killed my Catoun!
That bastard deserves
to rot in jail!
Please. Thank you.
Are you out of your mind?
- This is insane!
- Calm down.
I told him
to declare himself guilty.
He didn't kill that damn girl!
He's innocent.
He's said it enough.
I know this kind of juries.
Denying everything
won't make him win their sympathy.
That would've put them off.
I'm speaking as a lawyer.
A self-confessed man
is easier to defend
than an improbably innocent boy.
He confessed.
I can plead manslaughter.
They're arguing,
Catoun falls in the water,
she gets hurt,
Guillaume tries to save her
but sadly, it is too late.
Is that true, Guillaume?
Is that what happened?
No. That is not the truth.
That's not what happened.
- Your version is untenable.
- Be quiet!
Just be quiet.
Tell me everything.
Hi.
- Going to the creek?
- Get lost.
You're too close,
you're going to make me fall.
This is a lousy road.
I can take you if you want.
I won't leave my bike.
I don't have a lock.
I'll give you mine.
It should be enough
to protect your bicycle.
Wait for me.
What are you doing?
Go.
Do you want me to speak
like a poet or like Guillaume?
How does Guillaume speak?
He's raw, vulgar, rude, obscene.
But he's real.
I prefer the poet.
It won't change anything
anyway.
Catoun, you drive me crazy.
I want to lie down
and make love to you.
And do it again and again.
You're insane.
You thought I would say 'yes'?
Well, it's a 'no'.
Take off the damn lock.
Come on.
I said 'take the lock off'!
There.
You could've said 'thank you'.
Or 'goodbye'.
- Or even smile at me, damn it!
- Go to hell!
Why don't you like me?
You think I'm a thug?
I'm a virgin, asshole.
That's perfect.
I could be your first.
In your dreams.
Stay with me, for fuck's sake.
Why are you treating me like this?
Come here, damn it.
I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry.
I didn't mean to.
I'm sorry.
Shit, you're hurt.
Here.
Take this.
Come on.
Let's go to the hospital.
That was the last time I saw her.
I don't know when
or how she drowned.
I climbed on my bike and took off.
Did you read the autopsy report?
Yes.
- Well?
- Yes, she was a virgin.
So, Guillaume,
No uncalled-for declarations.
I will be the one who speaks.
Yes.
You're going to say
that he takes back his confession.
You do realize
no one will believe him.
It's an order.
Catoun drowned
because of their argument.
Forget about her!
My son is the only one that counts.
It's a matter of honor.
The Vaubans are not killers.
Very well.
You're the one who pays.
It's going to be alright.
Come in.
You wanted to see me?
There's a problem
with the confession.
A problem?
He's lying.
What do you mean?
He's not guilty.
I saw everything, Mélanie.
You were there, too,
but you were asleep.
I saw Catoun Garrel
fall down the rocks.
I saw her head hit,
bounce back, and then hit again.
- I saw everything.
- What are you saying?
She was on the other side
of the creek. She was alone.
Guillaume wasn't there.
She got close to the edge,
she was covered in blood.
She leaned forward, she probably
wanted to wash in the river...
And that's when
she slipped and fell...
I killed her.
What?
I killed her by looking at her,
by watching her drown
without even trying to save her.
A murder by omission.
Failure to assist a person in danger.
Article 223-6.
5 years in prison
and a 75,000-euro fine.
Why didn't you save her?
I saw you. You're a good swimmer.
Three years ago, when Dorothée
died in that car accident,
she literally lost all of her blood.
I was covered in it,
That red, warm,
sticky liquid
that stinks of copper...
Hematophobia.
Do you know what it is?
Yes.
It's the pathological fear of blood.
It started that day,
in that shattered car.
When I saw all that blood
coming out of my wife,
the woman I loved...
Over time, and also thanks to you,
I thought
I'd forgotten all that red.
But phobias are stubborn, Mélanie.
Seeing Catoun covered in blood
scared me.
I was staggered.
I couldn't move...
I killed her, Mélanie.
I killed her.
What are you going to do?
I'll clear Guillaume.
What else can I do?
Our friends at the chancellery
will be thrilled.
They will think I bowed my head
so I could win their extra points.
How do you like Bordeaux?
It's a nice town.
Stop, Paul. Be quiet.
Goddamn...
This whole thing is disgusting.
I'm so tired.
And now?
Now I'm going to do what
I should've done in the first place.
I know you'll do
the right thing when this ends.
Come in.
The hearing
is about to resume, sir.
Thank you.
Let's go.
Mr. Prosecutor General
will now make his indictment.
Your Honor,
ladies and gentlemen of this court,
ladies and gentlemen of the jury,
Mrs. Gasco - who will take the floor
on behalf of the defendant -
will craftily introduce you
to a Guillaume Vauban
that you probably don't know.
A fragile, sensitive young man
who doesn't belong in the dock.
I will address
Guillaume Vauban's
current situation in a few moments.
But regarding the so-called
virtues of Guillaume Vauban,
I will have to differ
with Mrs. Gasco.
Far from being an angel,
Guillaume is what we call
a scoundrel,
a little rascal, as people used
to say in the 60's, Your Honor.
At that time,
Carné's Children of Paradise
were becoming Young Sinners.
And actually,
Guillaume Vauban is a sinner.
A young man who is constantly
looking for speed, sex,
drugs and provocations of all sorts
as a way to escape from reality
for a little while.
Guillaume Vauban doesn't love himself
and he may have a point.
But does that make him a killer?
During his time in prison,
he never ceased to claim innocence.
Did we believe
in his pleas of innocence?
Of course not.
Now that he declares himself guilty
of the murder of Catoun Garrel,
do we have to believe
in that sudden confession?
He said he was innocent.
We had myriad objections
to put forward.
His execrable behavior,
his numerous misdemeanors,
speeding,
late-night disturbances,
public intoxication, fights...
Closer to this case,
the fact that Catoun Garrel
had told to several witnesses
that she was scared of him
because he had threatened her.
Not to mention
Guillaume's prints on her bike,
his bandana in the scene
and especially, the twist
we got to witness this morning.
Guillaume Vauban declared himself
guilty of murdering C. Garrel.
Order, or I will clear the room.
It is my duty to warn you
against that kind
of hasty conclusions.
Regarding my client's confession,
I will have...
You will speak when you
take the floor, Mrs. Gasco.
Right now, I'm going to have
to ask you to remain seated.
You may continue,
Mr. Prosecutor General.
Thank you, Your Honor.
I think I know what Mrs. Gasco
wants to tell us
regarding Guillaume's confession.
She will rightly point out
the fact that innocent people
sometimes confess crimes
they didn't commit.
Some of them, for unclear reasons,
feel guilty about not being judged
and sentenced for the crimes
they're responsible for.
Fraud, malicious acts,
deceits, sometimes acts of violence,
treason, cowardice.
Unconsciously,
they're looking for things
they could be accused of.
This might sound far-fetched,
but believe me, a person
doesn't need to be a masochist
to have a deep
yearning for punishment.
Finally, Mrs. Gasco will say
that the Guillaume's confession
was too good to be true,
and is thus poorly-grounded.
I would like to thank my colleague
for putting so much energy
into assisting me in my plead...
My dear colleague, I'm only
following the wise advice
that well-placed people
at the chancellery
had the deference to give me.
It seems that the justice in general
and myself in particular -
a public servant -
will benefit
from Mr. Vauban's acquittal.
Many good things will come to me
if I remain compliant.
I no longer have to be convinced
beyond reasonable doubt -
I have to be submissive.
Any news, Mr. Prosecutor General?
What did Berthier say?
You're leaving?
Any thoughts, Mr. de Groves?
Mr. de Groves, please.
It's de Groves.
Call Paris, place Vendôme.
Judicial Services Office.
I want a meeting
with the president tomorrow,
and make a reservation
on the next train to Paris.
You can kiss
your job goodbye, Berthier.
I must admit I almost asked
the jury to clear Guillaume
from all charges.
However, by winning the respect
of some of my colleagues,
wasn't I going to lose
the esteem and trust
that the people of Bergerane
had for me?
Remember you are bound
to an obligation of confidentiality.
I'm getting to my point.
I do not know
what the jury and judges
will discuss
during the deliberation,
but I do know what I see
in eyes of the audience,
in the eyes
of the citizens of this town.
No more renunciation, they say.
No more indulgence,
no more permissiveness, they cry.
I assure you, people of Bergerane,
that your thirst for justice
will be quenched.
Justice might be the only
great idea that we have left,
in a world that becomes
more and more corrupt,
putrid, rotten.
If we want to preserve it,
we must absolutely
save face, even if,
paradoxically enough, it is unfair.
It is thus in the name
of that justice, Your Honor,
ladies and gentlemen of the jury,
and in the name of a city
that remains at my side,
that I ask you
to declare G. Vauban
guilty
of the murder of Catoun Garrel,
and to sentence him
to life imprisonment.
Mélanie Florian asked
to be heard as a witness.
After a 50-minute deliberation,
Guillaume Vauban was absolved.
Paul Berthier was removed from office
by the Council of Magistrates.
Subtitles: Eclair Media
LOSING FACE
Fanny Morane, 70,
a Bergerane celebrity, has been
sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Fanny Morane burned down
Mr. Novenski's office.
Novenski, who had seized
Morane's property, died in the fire
along with his wife.
The verdict comes as a result
of the indictment of prosecutor
Berthier, whose success is legendary.
Any comments, Mr. Georgelet?
The mitigating circumstances
in this case
weren't taken into account.
It seems the jury
didn't listen to my plea.
However, as soon as
the prosecutor opened his mouth,
the court heeded him,
without a trace of reserve.
If Berthier had asked
for my client to be lapidated,
the jury would have rushed
to get some stones.
There's Berthier!
Another successful case, sir.
You were the one who put
the rapist of Bergeran behind bars.
Could this victory boost your career?
Will you seek a transfer
to a larger jurisdiction?
Do you know how old Morane
will be when released?
The word 'victory'
seems inappropriate.
Justice prevailed.
I merely defended
the interests of the Prosecution.
Do all these achievements
make you feel proud?
Absolutely not.
I defend this country
and its citizens.
Regarding Morane, she'll be 82
years old upon release,
but she won't spend
12 years in prison.
She will be released earlier,
probably in 8 or 9 years.
I have no further comment.
Thank you very much.
Mr. Prosecutor...
Have you watched
Morane's movies?
I saw an old film of hers.
I wonder if it was a silent movie.
That prosecutor's pretty relentless.
I mean, poor lady.
He's efficient, that's for sure.
I couldn't sleep anymore
with that rapist on the loose.
I'm glad he put him behind bars.
Damn, hide away.
- What's wrong?
- It's Guillaume.
- Are you sure?
- I'm positive.
We'll use the back door.
Alright.
Why don't you try talking to him?
Something's off about him.
I'm sick of him.
If he keeps stalking me like this,
I'll go to the police.
OK, let's go.
Yes, madam. I'll tell him
and I'll call you back.
Thank you.
Congratulations, Paul.
You were incredible.
The jury didn't look too convinced.
I almost started to doubt,
but then you got your way with them.
It was outstanding.
Thank you, Ms. Deputy Prosecutor.
Charente FM would like you
to go to their morning radio show.
Definitely not.
The case is closed,
I've done my job.
There's nothing to be said.
I exit the stage,
whether people cheer me or boo me.
Is it always sunny over here?
Clearly, you didn't grew up here.
Wait till winter comes...
Tell me about winter here.
Don't you think it's too soon
to talk weather?
- Come on, give me a kiss.
- Yes.
Inside page?
Don't you think it deserves better?
Tomorrow, when people read this,
Charente FM
will have said everything.
We're always behind.
When your dad founded this paper,
there was no TV or radio.
You have to adapt.
OK. Inside page it is.
But I want a front page picture.
- Fanny Morane?
- Not her. She's done for.
I want the guy who sent her to jail.
Berthier.
She barely looked at her
during the trial.
The crime was the only thing he saw.
Temporary insanity, you mean.
There's nothing glorious about
sending a 70-year-old to prison.
Berthier doesn't care about glory.
That guy is like Robespierre.
He only cares about justice.
What are your plans for today?
No plans.
This warrior needs to rest.
Really?
I'll let you sleep, then.
- I might have a better idea.
- I'm listening.
Making love on the grass.
I don't know.
If the grass is high, why not?
You're afraid someone
will see you with me?
No.
I'm not afraid of anything.
Bighead.
Vauban Group
Welcome, everyone.
This is Philippe Braquefort
from Regiotel,
a company specialized
in bringing TV to remote areas.
Go ahead.
Hello, everybody.
Vauban told us about his project...
Yes. Charente FM had a voice,
and now, it could also have a face.
However, television needs
infrastructure,
which require a bigger investment
than a website or a radio station.
Initially, you would need
a budget of 4 million euros.
We have gathered
those 4 million euros.
The Regional Council
has offered their support
and will give us
an extra 3 million euros.
That is very good news.
You're going
to need political support.
The Vauban Group
is no stranger to politics.
Many council members,
mayors and prefects
are in debt with us.
So, rest assured,
a TV station
in the midst of an election campaign,
is like a gift to them.
What is it, Laurence?
It's your son.
He wants to talk to you.
Alright. Excuse me.
What's the matter, Guillaume?
What?
No, not all policemen are assholes.
Did you tell them who I was?
Alright.
Talk to captain Soriano.
Soriano. That's right.
I'll be right there.
OK.
Thank you, Laurence.
I'm sorry.
My son needs me.
I'm going to have to leave you.
Young people think they know it all,
but as soon as a bigger dog barks,
they call for daddy's help.
I'll leave you with Mr. Braquefort,
who will answer your questions.
Thank you very much.
I'm sorry.
I'm like Bluebeard, you know.
who murdered his wives
and kept their corpses.
In this case, she almost killed you.
Yeah.
You know me, Mr. Vauban.
I'm always accommodating.
- But your son has crossed the line.
- Figuratively speaking?
Yes and no.
Driving under the influence,
failure to present license
and other ID documents, contempt,
insults and threats
to a public official...
I've heard enough, Soriano.
I'll make you a check
for an institution.
It's not that simple.
We searched him
before taking him to his cell,
and we found this.
Did you know Guillaume took drugs?
Like many others.
This isn't just for personal use.
Guillaume doesn't have the skills
to be a dealer.
Who paid for his bike?
The Yamaha 1900?
It was a present from me.
What about gas?
That's a high-consumption bike.
He's a kid.
I give him some pocket money.
He still has no job?
I told him
he could work at the station,
from 11 PM to 2 AM.
No audience, so no risks.
At least, I know where he is.
I'm a responsible father.
Can you free him now?
Of course.
- Did you take your swim shorts?
- Swim shorts?
- We're going to the river.
- I don't have any.
Considering this town
is relatively far from the ocean,
I didn't pack
my bathing suit, flip-flops, etc.
It's time for me
to take control, then.
Alright.
- Hello, sir.
- Hello.
- I'm looking swim shorts.
- What kind of shorts?
Just swim shorts.
- We have several styles.
- I can see that.
But this isn't my style, at all.
We have others over here.
That's more sober.
More like me.
You're the court guy?
I'm the prosecutor, yes.
Your picture's everywhere.
It's funny to have you
at the boutique.
No. This stripe here is...
This is much better.
If someone had trouble...
If someone was constantly
bothered my another person,
would you take the case?
I'll take this.
Do you have it in my size?
Thank you.
- You don't want to answer?
- Yes. I'm sorry.
You mean harassment?
- Something like that.
- You're the interested party?
- I didn't say that.
- No, you didn't.
Whether it is you or not,
the problem's the same.
The person must go to the police.
Then, the complaint
is referred to the Prosecutor.
That would be you.
I'm a lucky girl, then.
Or the Deputy Prosecutor.
How much is it?
There.
- Catoun is a very pretty girl.
- Catoun? That's a cute name.
Catoun Garrel,
Miss Pineau des Charentes 2014-2015.
Two years in a row?
Is that legal?
We should investigate.
How is that possible?
There are not enough pretty girls.
- You should enter the contest.
- Nonsense.
Imagine if you were a runner-up.
That'd be awful.
- This looks like a nice place.
- Yes. It's beautiful.
Let me introduce you
to Wet Stones Creek.
Nice to meet you.
I used to come here
with my grandfather.
He loved watching
the birds catch fish.
Want to come in the water?
I'm not sure
about these swim shorts, after all.
You can swim naked.
We're all alone.
If I join you, it won't be
for swimming purposes only.
Careful.
The water's cold.
Come on, Paul.
Come with me.
Show me how you dive.
- Is there a problem?
- What are you doing?
It's noon.
You're supposed to be in bed.
You force me to work.
I don't force you to anything,
my dear Guillaume. I mean...
I help you make money
so you can buy drugs.
If your mother knew!
May she rest in peace.
- Leave her alone.
- You're right.
But remember that thanks
to your slave-driver dad,
you were able to keep
your driver's license and your bike.
Should I say 'thank you'?
That would be a nice start.
That's right, go.
I wouldn't know
what to give you as a present.
I don't know what you like.
I like theater,
painting, literature...
Nothing original.
I'll buy you a book, then.
What do you read, apart from law
and crime novels
where the murderer's killed?
I have nothing against morality,
as long as it's fiction.
For instance,
I've just finished a book
where the main character
is a hired killer
who murders women abusers.
She's hired by a wealthy old lady
who is obsessed by justice.
I like the idea
of an old lady punishing
what men consider normal.
You're right.
There are no minor crimes
in the eyes of justice.
There is law and non-law.
That's it.
There are also
mitigating circumstances.
You can't just ignore them.
That's for the judges to assess
and for the defense to plead.
Mitigating circumstances
are not under my jurisdiction.
You don't believe
in crimes of passion?
Yes, but it's
a totally different thing.
Beliefs have nothing to do here.
That's a romantic vision,
and there's no romance in law.
Is there a place for romance
in your life?
That depends on you.
Really?
It all rests on me.
That's right.
In a way, yes.
What...
No! No!
Are you OK?
Yes. I think...
I think I had a nightmare.
See those clouds?
A storm is coming.
We have to go.
- Are you OK, Paul?
- Yes.
Are you sure?
I didn't have time to get dressed.
A storm can be deadly.
I once saw a lightning.
It was like a ball of fire.
You're scared of storms!
Come on, let's go.
Calm down.
We're going to help you.
There are other people
in this situation.
The fire department is very busy.
Over 150 calls
reporting flooded basements.
It's not our job to clean their mess.
You're overreacting, sir.
You'll find your daughter.
She's gone missing many times.
She always comes back.
Have you checked the store?
Maybe she went to see
if everything was fine.
She was supposed
to be there till noon.
It's dark and I still got no news.
It's Saturday, it's almost 10 PM.
Let Cinderella have some fun.
- Her name is Catoun.
- OK. Catoun.
- How does she usually commute?
- By bike.
She probably got stuck
in a flooded path, and is waiting.
Waiting for what?
For the path to clear up.
She would have called.
She has a wireless phone.
A wireless phone?
She probably has bad signal.
Antennas are dead
because of the storm.
Go home, Marcelin.
This is Paul Berthier.
Call back later or leave
a message after the tone.
Thank you.
Paul, it's me.
You're not answering
your cell phone. Where are you?
Pick up the phone, please.
You were behaving oddly.
I'm worried.
The police are trying to reach you
regarding a missing girl.
Catoun Garrel.
I was probably asleep.
The machine broke down,
I don't know.
That would make a nice gift.
Hello, miss.
Mr. Prosecutor.
- Is that Catoun Garrel's father?
- Yes. He won't go home.
There you are!
I need to speak to you.
Captain Soriano's waiting for us.
I won't take long.
Meet me at the courthouse
this afternoon. Second floor.
No, I need to speak
to you right now.
It's about my daughter.
Please, find her.
I will pay you.
Just tell me how much.
My wife had a couple of things.
I inherited them after she passed.
So, how much?
Missing people
are not under my jurisdiction.
Everybody says you're the best.
- Don't leave me, Your Honor.
- I'm a prosecutor.
I don't care.
Just find my Catoun.
Let the police work.
It's their job.
You have to trust them.
I only trust you.
I'm not what you think.
Mr. Prosecutor?
Excuse me. Thank you.
We went to the store
to buy a pair of swim shorts.
Was Catoun there?
Yes, she was there.
How was she?
What do you mean?
That's a weird question.
Nice and professional.
Yes, of course.
No premonition that you'd be
the last person to see her alive?
You don't know that yet.
Other clients probably
entered the store where she worked.
Yours was the last sales
receipt of the day.
Why do you say
"the store where she worked"?
I don't understand your question.
You could've said "where she works".
Why using the past tense?
Yes, it's true.
There's no reason
to think she's dead.
You'll find her, Captain.
I'm sure you will.
What did you do afterwards?
Ms. Florian took me to the...
Wet Stones Creek.
It's a dangerous place.
There are strong currents there
that can sweep you away.
If a person drowned there,
their body would be found miles away.
Hey, Jean-Mi!
Check this out!
It's Catoun!
Catoun Garrel!
Jesus Christ, he found the girl!
- Where is she?
- Who?
- Catoun.
- What do I know?
- You said...
- I found her bike.
I've seen it.
She passes by everyday.
Come and see.
Did you find anything on that bike?
The girl left it in the woods.
But she loved that bike.
It was her source of freedom.
Is she afraid of someone?
Did she run away
or did she drown?
The river squad is going
to explore the area.
That's good.
What about the neighbors?
They didn't say anything.
However, we have
Laura Chatelier's testimony.
She's Catoun's co-worker
at the Sportissimo store.
She only pretends to be flirtatious.
- Did Guillaume Vauban hit on her?
- He stalks her.
Catoun couldn't care less about him.
- What kind of boy does she like?
- No idea.
Are you friends?
Yes, but that doesn't mean
we share every secret.
She's very private.
Did she and Guillaume
go out together?
To the movies, a couple of times,
but that would be it.
It couldn't last, and it didn't last.
- She broke up with him?
- Several times.
- How did he react?
- Badly.
Meaning?
He threatened her?
That's what she said.
What kind of threat?
Death threat.
It's just words.
Young people don't see death
like you old folks do.
It's beautiful.
That's G. Vauban.
What else can you tell me about him?
He's an idiot.
A spoiled brat,
an arrogant guy, full of himself.
Classic.
You never had to prosecute him?
He's been arrested many times.
He beat a taxi driver because
he had looked at his girlfriend.
- Catoun Garrel?
- No. Some Mathilde girl.
I think.
He's always with a different girl.
Although she said the driver
hadn't bothered her,
he ended up sending
the guy to the hospital.
- Did he press charges?
- Yes.
The charges were dropped
right away.
Why?
His father intervened.
I don't know what he said,
but the driver dropped charges
and even presented his apologies.
There's no one else
to put him in his place?
His mother committed suicide.
- Alcohol, depression...
- I understand now.
Wasn't Jacques de Groves
the prosecutor
at that time?
That's why Guillaume
never went to jail.
You mean...
De Groves and Vauban
know each other.
De Groves knew everything
about Vauban's competitors,
wiretapping sessions,
planned police raids...
He would warn Vauban,
who would sidestep the attack
or perfect his defense.
What did De Groves
have to gain in doing all that?
He was named Prosecutor General
at the Poitiers Court of Appeals
thanks to a lobby campaign
orchestrated by Charente FM.
You know so many things.
I'm impressed, you know?
I want to kiss you
really bad right now.
Here? Or you'd rather
return to the creek?
Nice bike.
- First time here?
- Yes.
It won't be the last one.
Guillaume is a regular customer.
- I don't have time for this.
- We won't take long.
Last time a cop said that,
he left me in a cell for 36 hours.
I'm working on my bike.
The house is a mess.
OK, fine. Come in.
You never slept
with the Garrel girl?
No.
Does that disappoint you?
- She's cute, though.
- Yes.
- But oh, well.
- "Oh, well"?
She doesn't want me.
Sounds like you're upset.
I'm not upset,
I just think it's very stupid.
Where were you
the day she disappeared?
I got arrested
by one of your buddies.
That was the night of the 26th
through the 27th.
But you were released in the morning.
What did you do then?
I rode my bike through the fields.
I wanted to forget.
Any witnesses of that ride?
- I have plenty.
- OK. We're listening.
My pleasure.
There was a rabbit,
three cows near Calvaire,
a stray dog...
You're seriously jerking us around.
I'm telling you the truth, gentlemen.
But you'll never change.
If I don't do what you want,
then I'm a liar
and lock me in a cage
that stinks of piss, shit and puke.
Oh, dear... This world
is a huge misunderstanding.
Glass of whisky?
As you can see, the prints we found
seem to suggest
that after leaving her bike,
Catoun Garrel walked to the river.
Seem to suggest?
Of course.
Further investigation is required -
molding, etc.
None of the prints indicate
that Catoun took her bike again.
However, to go back to town,
she would've had to turn back.
The creek is a dead end.
Very well.
And so your conclusion is...?
I believe she fell in the river -
either she threw herself
or someone pushed her.
The river squad
hasn't found anything yet.
Nothing yet.
Maybe there's nothing to be found.
Why are you so certain
that the girl drowned?
There are other ways to die.
What makes you think she died?
It's been ten days.
Nobody has seen her.
When a child is reported missing,
the hypothesis of death is the most
plausible one after 48 hours.
Catoun Garrel's not a child anymore.
Anyway, thank you, Langelin.
I have a hearing to prepare.
Call me if you find anything new.
One more thing, sir.
Captain Soriano told me
that you had had a picnic
on the same day and time
that Ms. Garrel went missing,
where the bike was found.
Yes, that's correct.
I was at the creek that day,
with Ms. Florian.
We were there from 12 AM
to 3 PM, approximately.
When Laura, her co-worker,
arrived at Sportissimo
to take over,
Catoun had left a note
saying she was
vacating the premises at around 1 PM.
It's a one-hour ride
to get to the place
where her bicycle was found.
This means Catoun left her bike
somewhere between 2 and 3 PM,
at around 100 meters
from the place you were.
Then, she went to the creek.
You didn't see
or hear anything at all?
Nothing at all.
We also found blood
on the grass, near the bike.
Is it hers?
The DNA tests confirm it.
And quite evidently,
it wasn't a simple scratch.
Maybe a car hit her
and she fell off her bicycle.
I doubt it.
Her bike has no signs of damage.
It's an old bike, but it's her baby.
If she was hurt,
she could've asked you for help.
Yes, but as I've already told you,
I didn't hear or see anything.
The river down there is quite noisy.
If you don't believe me,
you can ask my deputy.
There's no reason
to be offended, sir.
Of course I believe you.
But... Excuse me.
Chief Officer Langelin.
Yes?
What?
Where?
Are you positive?
Call Captain Soriano
and the coroner.
Captain.
Mr. Prosecutor.
I have to perform the autopsy,
but one thing I can tell you is,
I don't think drowning
is the cause of death.
- Why do you say that?
- There's a head injury.
A large, deep wound
from where she lost blood
and a fair amount of brain tissue.
Maybe she got hurt
while in the water.
She could have
bumped her head on the bottom.
That's unlikely.
I would have found similar injuries
elsewhere in her body.
The other injuries
were caused by a blade.
Only her skull was broken.
A very big fracture indeed!
I would say
someone hit her in the head
with a heavy stone.
She was thrown in the water.
Did the killer count on the current
to carry the body away?
So Catoun Garrel
was possibly murdered.
Very well, doctor.
Carry on and keep us informed.
Gentlemen, as you will understand,
I cannot order an investigation
based on mere observations,
as troubling as they may be.
Which they are.
Shall we go, Langelin?
Thank you, doctor. Captain.
Any news on Catoun?
Murder hasn't been confirmed.
The coroner
hasn't issued his final report yet.
He's had the body for three days.
He can't determine
the cause of death?
The cause of death
is skull fracture caused by trauma.
Accident or assault?
The doctor needs
to carry on the investigation.
Well, I won't wait.
The paper's going to choose.
We will fuel and support
the theory of a murder.
What's going on?
You said the police
interrogated G. Vauban.
What if her death
was accidental, after all?
Félix, look me in my eyes.
Do you think I'm wrong?
You know Guillaume is shady.
Trust me, I know
what I'm talking about. Do it.
Catoun Garrel
A Murder Case?
Put the bastard behind bars!
- Hello, sir.
- Ms. Deputy Prosecutor.
I wanted to tell you that...
Fanny Morane
committed suicide last night.
Since I saw you first,
could you please
inform the Prosecutor?
I don't feel
like shaking hands with him.
Thank you, Deputy Prosecutor.
Mélanie, please,
she killed herself.
She wasn't executed.
Fanny Morane's death is tragic,
but I'm not not blame.
That's not what I said.
We all have moments of weakness.
Believe me, I know.
Fortunately, not everybody
commits suicide for...
For so little?
That's what
you were going to say?
You can be so harsh, Paul.
I got this.
The assessment on Catoun's bike.
Alright, so...
"Guillaume's fingerprints were found
"on the handlebars.
"He possibly faced the bicycle
"to prevent
Catoun Garrel from leaving.
"He grabbed the handlebars
so she would stop".
What happened next?
Guillaume must be interrogated.
Yes, yes. Of course.
Mélanie Florian, Deputy Prosecutor.
Yes.
Yes, of course.
Soriano.
Very well.
I'll give him your message.
The police found something.
I was dying to do it.
Read!
I know you wouldn't be capable
of killing that Catoun girl.
But this goddamn paper
clearly thinks you are.
They think you're
the perfect suspect. Bravo!
If you need an alibi, I'm here.
What for?
I didn't do anything.
- Damn it!
- Dad?
Shut up!
Just... shut up.
A bandana. And?
Langelin found it in some bushes
near the crime scene.
And so you conclude it's a murder?
The examining magistrate
will rule the death,
after we hear
the main and only suspect.
Whom?
Guillaume Vauban. The bandana
complicates things for him.
Besides, it's the typical item
a motorcyclist would wear.
There are other people in Bergerane
who wear bandanas.
It's a bit flimsy.
Don't you think. Captain?
Hello, madam.
Mr. Prosecutor, welcome.
Come on in.
This is your table.
- Thank you.
- I'll be right back.
I'm so tired of being scrutinized
by these people everywhere I go.
As if they were going
to clap their hands
and start chanting: "Trial!"
It's intolerable.
It's understandable.
They see Guillaume
swaggering on his bike,
no explanation whatsoever.
Explanation? About what?
- That girl didn't just die.
- Maybe she did, after all.
What do we know?
Did you hear anything?
See anything?
Me neither.
We don't know how that girl died.
As a matter of fact,
the police don't know either.
There is no justified suspicion
against G. Vauban.
Only a few rumors and a bandana.
Unbelievable. A bandana.
All those people are jealous
of his father's fortune.
People want blood, Mélanie.
People want...
Are you OK?
Yes, I'm fine.
It's just a small cut.
Berthier? Hey!
- What are you doing here?
- I was having lunch.
I came to the restroom
and found you here.
May I ask what happened?
A little cut.
I must have fainted.
Help me get up.
Wash your face.
Holy cow!
Thank you, Philippe.
- Are you going to be OK?
- Yes.
You're under pressure right now.
I may be able to help you.
I know what you're trying to do.
Guillaume Vauban, right?
Why are you taking so long
to start an investigation?
Maybe because I wasn't sure
about the murder hypothesis.
- That's probably why.
- You're sure now?
Now it's your job to convince me.
You'll have the referral tomorrow,
first thing in the morning.
Tell me...
What's the population of Bergerane?
42,000, according to the last census.
Guillaume Vauban alone against
42,000 prosecutors. Good luck.
And with you as their chief...
Yes.
What's the point
of hiring an audit company
if you won't heed their advice?
It's not my problem
if they don't like the music.
My job is to bring them new things.
Those idiots have shitty taste.
No, Guillaume.
Your job here is to...
Yes, Laurence?
What do they want?
No. You don't know
where Guillaume is. Period.
Did you get the summons?
- Perhaps.
- You didn't go?
You didn't apologize either?
The police are looking for you.
Guillaume!
Come back!
Guillaume, stop!
I have a bench warrant.
Don't be a jerk.
Guillaume, stop!
Guillaume!
Bergerane station will not be a part
of the future high-speed track.
Our authorities' challenge will be
to convince the Regional Council.
The vice-president
will comment on this issue,
although a few hours ago...
I want to tell you
that it's all bullshit.
I'm Guillaume Vauban,
and I didn't kill Catoun Garrel.
I'm innocent, do you hear me?
I'm innocent.
- Get off me!
- It's over.
You, bastards!
Dad, tell them they're wrong.
I'm Guillaume Vauban,
and I didn't kill Catoun Garrel.
I'm innocent, do you hear me?
- Guillaume.
- Get off me!
- Calm down.
- You bastards!
I'm innocent!
Dad, tell them they're wrong!
- Stop!
- Let me go, damn it.
- Calm down.
- I'm innocent!
Laurence, please call Mrs. Gasco
at her office. She's a lawyer.
Tell her to cancel her meetings
and to come as soon as possible.
Thank you.
This will be a hard day.
I won't have time to do everything.
If you need help...
Yes.
As you know,
Vauban appeared before Charvin,
who put him in custody.
Charvin said he was
a danger to society.
The bail hearing
is set for today at 3 PM,
which isn't good.
I wanted to spend the afternoon
on the Dubreuil indictment.
The Dubreuil case?
That small fraud trial?
I mean, it's ridiculous, Paul.
According to you.
But it's for me to judge.
I'm sorry.
So, I would like you to represent me
at the hearing.
- Can I count on you?
- Yes, of course.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
I guess this is life together.
I'm sorry.
I assure you,
there will be nicer moments.
Any instructions
you want to give me?
Just one.
We agree.
He should stay in custody.
Mr. Vauban,
I am so glad to see you.
Always a pleasure.
Mr. de Groves is waiting.
Very well.
Gentlemen, two babas.
Thank you very much.
I understand, my friend,
but the law doesn't say
that a magistrate should hurry
regarding the visitors permit.
Usually, convicts' relatives
have to wait several weeks
until they can have visits.
They do?
I wonder why we fought
so you could get
that Prosecutor General position.
Rest assured, it's the kind of favor
that a man never forgets.
I'm assured, yes.
At Charente FM, we never forget.
It would be a real shame
if certain secrets
confided by you, came to light.
It would be bothersome.
Secrets? Me?
Yes, you.
Secrets. Absolutely.
You know what it is.
Undertones, confessions,
unfortunate indiscretions
that you can air when you think
the microphone is switched off.
The lights can be off, but that
doesn't mean the mike is, too.
If you knew how many magistrates,
politicians -
male and female - unionists
and CEOs got caught
in that kind of out-takes game.
I won't tolerate Guillaume
being tried at the criminal court
for a murder he didn't commit.
I should have told you
the day it happened
because you, too, were there.
You were sleeping.
You didn't see anything.
She was there,
with her shirt in her hand,
trying to soak it in the water.
Her hair was all over her face,
she had blood running down
her arm and her leg.
There was blood everywhere,
she was crying...
She was too close to the edge.
She slipped
and she fell down, head first.
The rock gashed her head.
I swear, I wanted to get
in the water and save her,
but instead,
I stayed there, next to you,
paralyzed, petrified, unable
to do anything whatsoever.
I watched that poor girl
drowning and I did nothing.
I didn't understand, at the time.
I could see myself like one
of the accused I see everyday,
waiting for me to punish them.
I know what the charges are
and I know what punishment
they'll get, according to the law.
However, I've never figured out
why do they what they do.
The truth is sometimes
so deep, so far to find the truth.
And then I remembered.
Honey, you're driving too fast.
We've drunk too much.
- Just two or three drinks.
- More like four or five.
They were little drinks.
We'll be there soon, anyway.
There are no cops on this road.
Maybe not, but there are curves.
That's what's fun about it.
I love curves.
Watch out!
Honey?
Dorothée!
No! No!
No! Help!
Help us!
Somebody help us!
Gentlemen, I would like
to have a word with you.
I was going to invite you
to lunch after the funeral,
but I have to fly to Paris.
Far be it from me to interfere
in the Vauban trial,
but I personally suggest you
to keep your distance.
I know and admire your free thinking
and your dynamism,
but I would like to be sure
that neither of you
act with excessive zeal
to attribute
the murder of the young...
Catoun Garrel.
Catoun, Catoun...
What a strange name it is.
To ascribe the murder...
to Guillaume Vauban.
Mr. Prosecutor General,
the charges against that boy...
Naturally, you had some
quite serious reasons
for placing him under investigation.
Didn't you, Your Honor?
Weren't you - by any chance -
influenced by the public opinion
and the people's resentment
towards a young man
who comes from a wealthy, powerful,
and thus envied family?
The same remark goes for you.
Of course I had several reasons
to open an investigation.
Charvin took over...
I ordered Guillaume's arrest
to protect him from social stoning.
It was in his best interest.
The current situation
of the Vauban boy is not the problem.
I am actually worried about
his future trial.
A few days ago, at the chancellery,
I was approached by a collaborator
of the Secretary of Justice...
Let me guess.
Was it Serge Vauban?
Be it as it may, this eminent
collaborator of the Attorney General
insisted that you and judge Charvin -
his two local favorites,
as he amiably calls you -
do not let yourselves
carried away by your zeal.
A girl was murdered.
Please, Your Honor.
The cause of death
was traumatic brain injury.
Caused by a blunt object.
Perhaps. However,
"perhaps" is not "definitely".
That object was never found.
As far as I know, Guillaume Vauban
was very much in love
with the Catoun girl,
and he keeps
claiming innocence everyday.
This is nonsense.
The case must be dismissed.
And the public opinion
would accept the dismissal.
Of course, we should prepare it first
with the provisional release
of the defendant.
You don't say!
He's not very happy, but his job...
is almost over, I must say.
As opposed to yours.
How will you carry out
your prosecution speech?
I haven't elaborated a strategy yet,
but I'm thinking about it.
You do realize how important you are
for society and for justice itself.
Let me tell you that
the people of Bergerane
consider you as
a crusader against iniquity,
an outstanding... righter of wrongs.
Besides, you have served justice
with such a devotion,
that it might be time for you
to start thinking about yourself.
That's why
I would like to tell you...
that a Prosecutor General position...
in Bordeaux
is going to be vacant soon.
Hello, madam.
This way, please.
Charente FM,
the radio that listens to you.
With us now is Mrs. Giselle Gasco,
Guillaume Vauban's lawyer.
- Hello, Mrs. Gasco.
- Hello.
What can you tell us
about today's reconstruction
at the creek?
It was the occasion to hear Vauban's
claims of innocence yet again.
Poignant declarations
made with such conviction
that we wonder why people
are still questioning his sincerity.
Another interesting element
is the presence
of prosecutor Berthier
and Mrs. Mélanie Florian
at the surroundings
of the alleged crime scene.
An interesting statement?
This may surprise you, but no.
They were at less than 50 m away
from the so-called crime scene,
and yet, they didn't see
or hear anything.
- That's puzzling.
- And so your conclusion is...?
Honestly, I wouldn't even think
about the prosecutor and his deputy
hiding part of the truth
in whatever circumstance,
so I suppose
nothing happened that day,
in which case my client
would be cleared from all charges.
Thank you for coming to Charente FM.
Charente FM.
And now, our weather forecast.
Tomorrow morning, sunny
skies for western Charente,
although clouds
will gather in the afternoon
due to a sea front that...
Were you listening to the radio?
Who's Giselle Gasco?
What is she playing at?
She's doing her job, honey.
That's all.
But I do intend to fight back,
especially since
the people are with me.
She's backed up
by Serge Vauban's firepower.
The only power Vauban has,
is the love for his son.
And justice doesn't care
about love, does it?
Although sometimes
it doesn't care about truth, either.
What if he's innocent?
Then I would lose face.
And justice would lose face, too.
So, he can't be innocent.
You look beautiful tonight.
Justice for Catoun!
Good. Please tell
your full name to this court.
Guillaume Thomas Etienne Vauban.
Profession?
Most people think I have none,
or says I'm a pain in the ass.
Order, please.
This is no place for jokes, sir.
Especially not jokes of bad taste.
My apologies, Your Honor.
- Can I say something?
- Once the questioning begins.
It's an important statement.
You don't decide
how this trial is conducted!
Only a few minutes ago,
my client revealed to me
what he wants to say.
His statement might change
the course of this trial.
Well.
The defendant has the floor.
Be brief.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Don't worry,
this will only take a few seconds.
What I want to say is that
you must not take into account
my version up to now.
I'm actually guilty
of the murder of Catoun Garrel.
I killed her.
What is that nonsense?
He's lying!
He couldn't have killed that girl!
Order!
Sit down.
Order, or I'll clear the room.
Your Honor, I ask for a recess.
The defense agrees with the motion
of the public prosecution.
Very well.
The hearing is now suspended.
The trial will resume at 2 PM.
Take the defendant.
Wait... Did you hear that?
He confessed!
He said it!
He killed my Catoun!
That bastard deserves
to rot in jail!
Please. Thank you.
Are you out of your mind?
- This is insane!
- Calm down.
I told him
to declare himself guilty.
He didn't kill that damn girl!
He's innocent.
He's said it enough.
I know this kind of juries.
Denying everything
won't make him win their sympathy.
That would've put them off.
I'm speaking as a lawyer.
A self-confessed man
is easier to defend
than an improbably innocent boy.
He confessed.
I can plead manslaughter.
They're arguing,
Catoun falls in the water,
she gets hurt,
Guillaume tries to save her
but sadly, it is too late.
Is that true, Guillaume?
Is that what happened?
No. That is not the truth.
That's not what happened.
- Your version is untenable.
- Be quiet!
Just be quiet.
Tell me everything.
Hi.
- Going to the creek?
- Get lost.
You're too close,
you're going to make me fall.
This is a lousy road.
I can take you if you want.
I won't leave my bike.
I don't have a lock.
I'll give you mine.
It should be enough
to protect your bicycle.
Wait for me.
What are you doing?
Go.
Do you want me to speak
like a poet or like Guillaume?
How does Guillaume speak?
He's raw, vulgar, rude, obscene.
But he's real.
I prefer the poet.
It won't change anything
anyway.
Catoun, you drive me crazy.
I want to lie down
and make love to you.
And do it again and again.
You're insane.
You thought I would say 'yes'?
Well, it's a 'no'.
Take off the damn lock.
Come on.
I said 'take the lock off'!
There.
You could've said 'thank you'.
Or 'goodbye'.
- Or even smile at me, damn it!
- Go to hell!
Why don't you like me?
You think I'm a thug?
I'm a virgin, asshole.
That's perfect.
I could be your first.
In your dreams.
Stay with me, for fuck's sake.
Why are you treating me like this?
Come here, damn it.
I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry.
I didn't mean to.
I'm sorry.
Shit, you're hurt.
Here.
Take this.
Come on.
Let's go to the hospital.
That was the last time I saw her.
I don't know when
or how she drowned.
I climbed on my bike and took off.
Did you read the autopsy report?
Yes.
- Well?
- Yes, she was a virgin.
So, Guillaume,
No uncalled-for declarations.
I will be the one who speaks.
Yes.
You're going to say
that he takes back his confession.
You do realize
no one will believe him.
It's an order.
Catoun drowned
because of their argument.
Forget about her!
My son is the only one that counts.
It's a matter of honor.
The Vaubans are not killers.
Very well.
You're the one who pays.
It's going to be alright.
Come in.
You wanted to see me?
There's a problem
with the confession.
A problem?
He's lying.
What do you mean?
He's not guilty.
I saw everything, Mélanie.
You were there, too,
but you were asleep.
I saw Catoun Garrel
fall down the rocks.
I saw her head hit,
bounce back, and then hit again.
- I saw everything.
- What are you saying?
She was on the other side
of the creek. She was alone.
Guillaume wasn't there.
She got close to the edge,
she was covered in blood.
She leaned forward, she probably
wanted to wash in the river...
And that's when
she slipped and fell...
I killed her.
What?
I killed her by looking at her,
by watching her drown
without even trying to save her.
A murder by omission.
Failure to assist a person in danger.
Article 223-6.
5 years in prison
and a 75,000-euro fine.
Why didn't you save her?
I saw you. You're a good swimmer.
Three years ago, when Dorothée
died in that car accident,
she literally lost all of her blood.
I was covered in it,
That red, warm,
sticky liquid
that stinks of copper...
Hematophobia.
Do you know what it is?
Yes.
It's the pathological fear of blood.
It started that day,
in that shattered car.
When I saw all that blood
coming out of my wife,
the woman I loved...
Over time, and also thanks to you,
I thought
I'd forgotten all that red.
But phobias are stubborn, Mélanie.
Seeing Catoun covered in blood
scared me.
I was staggered.
I couldn't move...
I killed her, Mélanie.
I killed her.
What are you going to do?
I'll clear Guillaume.
What else can I do?
Our friends at the chancellery
will be thrilled.
They will think I bowed my head
so I could win their extra points.
How do you like Bordeaux?
It's a nice town.
Stop, Paul. Be quiet.
Goddamn...
This whole thing is disgusting.
I'm so tired.
And now?
Now I'm going to do what
I should've done in the first place.
I know you'll do
the right thing when this ends.
Come in.
The hearing
is about to resume, sir.
Thank you.
Let's go.
Mr. Prosecutor General
will now make his indictment.
Your Honor,
ladies and gentlemen of this court,
ladies and gentlemen of the jury,
Mrs. Gasco - who will take the floor
on behalf of the defendant -
will craftily introduce you
to a Guillaume Vauban
that you probably don't know.
A fragile, sensitive young man
who doesn't belong in the dock.
I will address
Guillaume Vauban's
current situation in a few moments.
But regarding the so-called
virtues of Guillaume Vauban,
I will have to differ
with Mrs. Gasco.
Far from being an angel,
Guillaume is what we call
a scoundrel,
a little rascal, as people used
to say in the 60's, Your Honor.
At that time,
Carné's Children of Paradise
were becoming Young Sinners.
And actually,
Guillaume Vauban is a sinner.
A young man who is constantly
looking for speed, sex,
drugs and provocations of all sorts
as a way to escape from reality
for a little while.
Guillaume Vauban doesn't love himself
and he may have a point.
But does that make him a killer?
During his time in prison,
he never ceased to claim innocence.
Did we believe
in his pleas of innocence?
Of course not.
Now that he declares himself guilty
of the murder of Catoun Garrel,
do we have to believe
in that sudden confession?
He said he was innocent.
We had myriad objections
to put forward.
His execrable behavior,
his numerous misdemeanors,
speeding,
late-night disturbances,
public intoxication, fights...
Closer to this case,
the fact that Catoun Garrel
had told to several witnesses
that she was scared of him
because he had threatened her.
Not to mention
Guillaume's prints on her bike,
his bandana in the scene
and especially, the twist
we got to witness this morning.
Guillaume Vauban declared himself
guilty of murdering C. Garrel.
Order, or I will clear the room.
It is my duty to warn you
against that kind
of hasty conclusions.
Regarding my client's confession,
I will have...
You will speak when you
take the floor, Mrs. Gasco.
Right now, I'm going to have
to ask you to remain seated.
You may continue,
Mr. Prosecutor General.
Thank you, Your Honor.
I think I know what Mrs. Gasco
wants to tell us
regarding Guillaume's confession.
She will rightly point out
the fact that innocent people
sometimes confess crimes
they didn't commit.
Some of them, for unclear reasons,
feel guilty about not being judged
and sentenced for the crimes
they're responsible for.
Fraud, malicious acts,
deceits, sometimes acts of violence,
treason, cowardice.
Unconsciously,
they're looking for things
they could be accused of.
This might sound far-fetched,
but believe me, a person
doesn't need to be a masochist
to have a deep
yearning for punishment.
Finally, Mrs. Gasco will say
that the Guillaume's confession
was too good to be true,
and is thus poorly-grounded.
I would like to thank my colleague
for putting so much energy
into assisting me in my plead...
My dear colleague, I'm only
following the wise advice
that well-placed people
at the chancellery
had the deference to give me.
It seems that the justice in general
and myself in particular -
a public servant -
will benefit
from Mr. Vauban's acquittal.
Many good things will come to me
if I remain compliant.
I no longer have to be convinced
beyond reasonable doubt -
I have to be submissive.
Any news, Mr. Prosecutor General?
What did Berthier say?
You're leaving?
Any thoughts, Mr. de Groves?
Mr. de Groves, please.
It's de Groves.
Call Paris, place Vendôme.
Judicial Services Office.
I want a meeting
with the president tomorrow,
and make a reservation
on the next train to Paris.
You can kiss
your job goodbye, Berthier.
I must admit I almost asked
the jury to clear Guillaume
from all charges.
However, by winning the respect
of some of my colleagues,
wasn't I going to lose
the esteem and trust
that the people of Bergerane
had for me?
Remember you are bound
to an obligation of confidentiality.
I'm getting to my point.
I do not know
what the jury and judges
will discuss
during the deliberation,
but I do know what I see
in eyes of the audience,
in the eyes
of the citizens of this town.
No more renunciation, they say.
No more indulgence,
no more permissiveness, they cry.
I assure you, people of Bergerane,
that your thirst for justice
will be quenched.
Justice might be the only
great idea that we have left,
in a world that becomes
more and more corrupt,
putrid, rotten.
If we want to preserve it,
we must absolutely
save face, even if,
paradoxically enough, it is unfair.
It is thus in the name
of that justice, Your Honor,
ladies and gentlemen of the jury,
and in the name of a city
that remains at my side,
that I ask you
to declare G. Vauban
guilty
of the murder of Catoun Garrel,
and to sentence him
to life imprisonment.
Mélanie Florian asked
to be heard as a witness.
After a 50-minute deliberation,
Guillaume Vauban was absolved.
Paul Berthier was removed from office
by the Council of Magistrates.
Subtitles: Eclair Media