Pauline at the Beach (1983) - full transcript

PAULINE AT THE BEACH

"A wagging tongue bites itself".

I think the neighbours have left.

It should be very peaceful here.

It's wonderful
that there's no phone.

When I'm here,
I feel I can spend hours and hours

without moving.

Won't you go to the beach?

Yes, to swim.

But it's not a place
I like to stay.

For reading or working,
it's better here.



I prefer the beach.

You'll be disappointed.

I want to go to the beach.

I haven't been this year.

What about in Spain?

We swam, then we'd leave.
We changed place every day.

Sounds great!
At least you had variety?

We never stayed long enough.

I was with my parents,
so I couldn't have any fun.

Your trip wasn't fun?

Interesting, but not fun.

What do you call fun?

First of all,
being with kids my own age.

You don't know any here.



I'll meet some.

Most have left by now.

No, well I hope not...

It's no fun going on holiday
with your parents

even if they're nice.

I've always made friends on holiday,
except this year.

Boys or girls?

Both.

Which do you want
to meet here?

Both.

You'd prefer boys?
- Not especially.

You'd like to find a boyfriend?

Just a friend.

A friend?

Come here.

Tell me...
Have you ever been in love?

I'm sure you have been.

There must've been a kid in school

whom you said you'd marry
when you grew up.

Sure, when I was very little.

Since then?
- Nothing.

Let's say, a few boys have...
impressed me.

Well then?

That's all.

What happened?
You must have impressed them too?

Maybe...

It's mostly people
I saw only for a moment.

So I don't know.

What do you mean?

Like last year...

in Italy, I was in a restaurant
and a boy at the next table

kept looking at me.
I mean, we both looked and smiled.

Then he left.

A boy your age?

A bit older, about 16 or 17.

I was 14 last year.

Was he Italian?

No, French.

Then you can see him again!

Maybe.
The car had Paris licence plates.

So you expect to run into him
on the street?

I doubt it!

If you saw him,
what would happen?

I don't know.

Would you dare speak to him?
- No!

Would he dare?

Maybe... But he doesn't
really interest me.

There's very little chance
we'll ever meet.

I pictured meeting him again,
but I didn't believe in it.

Now it's too late.
It's probably better if I don't see him.

I see...

In fact, you'd like to meet someone
who didn't leave...

Not at all! You're pretending
not to understand.

No, maybe I'm too old.

No, you're not.
You even seem to be my age.

I can't believe
you've been married.

Neither can I.

Maybe I wasn't really.

I mean...

I never believed in it, deep down.

That's why it failed.

It's cold!

That's Pierre!

Who?

Pierre. A very old friend.

I haven't seen him since...
before I got married.

What a surprise!

Yes, it is.

Do you know
my cousin Pauline?

No, she's never been here before.

You haven't been here
for at least 5 years.

Precisely! What a memory!
Well, I'm back.

I come every year.

Have you been here long?

We just arrived.
I have the use of the house.

My brother went back to Paris.

I see him now and then.
He says you work very hard.

I spent all of August
preparing my collection.

So now, I've come here to rest.

Have you finished school?

Yes and no,
I'm doing graduate work.

Are you here alone?

Yes, until school starts,
with Pauline.

Her parents left her in my care.
So to speak!

And you?

You look like a real expert!

Ever done it?

Never.

I could teach you.

We won't be here long enough.

You could get the feel of it this year
and continue next year.

It doesn't take strength,

just balance.

I bet it takes skill!

Hey, Pierre?

Traitor.
You promised to teach me.

You don't need lessons.

Is he a good teacher?

The best, I recommend him.

Marion... Henri.

My cousin Pauline.

Is it as easy as he says?

No, the other day he lent me
his board, I found out how hard it was.

You do much harder things.
He rides breakers in a dugout!

Really? Where? In Africa?

The South Pacific, where I live.
I'm an ethnologist.

Here's my daughter.

Meet my daughter... Marie.

Your hair's full of sand!

I was Brittany-wrestling
with Gaelle.

But it's done standing up.

We fell down.

She pushed you?

We both fell.

That's not Brittany wrestling.
That's Greco-Roman.

What? Reto-no-man?

Greco-Roman.

Go take a shower.
I'll be right along. Hurry!

She's funny.

Are you all free for dinner?
My house is there.

I thought we were going
to a restaurant.

They're no good around here.

OK. We'll help you cook.

Thanks. Want a hand putting
your board away?

No, I'll do it later.

You'll meet us there?

See you. Let's go?

See you later...

Is that it?

She's the one who keeps
my feet on the ground.

I mean that geographically,
in a specific place on the map.

Because of her,
I own real estate! The irony!

My brothers wanted
to sell our villa.

I bought it for Marie's holidays.
She lives in Rennes with her mother.

Wednesday, you'll take me home?

Sure, honey.
Are you in a hurry to leave?

The holidays are nearly over.

Time goes too fast with you!

With you too.

That's sweet.

Go to bed, love.
I'll kiss you goodnight later.

But...

Doesn't your work pin you
to a place?

I spend time in places. But,
I don't have a permanent address.

I'm a nomad, I go where and when
I want, without asking anyone.

But, you don't live alone there?

Yes. The last few years
I've had affairs, nothing permanent.

My ex-wife needs
to identify herself with a home.

I don't have one.
This house isn't really a home.

It has no furniture.

I can't stand a woman who
makes me think of her as furniture.

Glad to hear it!

But that's what she did.

I wanted her to be...

as free as I am,
as light and movable...

to have no luggage,
physical or mental.

She had a daughter!

So did I!

You didn't take care of her.

Yes I did.
I raised her the first 2 years.

She wasn't a burden?

Very little.

Less than your wife?
- Much less!

Then keep her.

I have no right, legally that is.

And a child needs roots.

She can uproot herself, later.

Didn't you say you lived alone?

Yes, but...

I'm just waiting...

Waiting for what?

That unpredictable thing
called love.

I've never really fallen in love.

And I want to.

I let myself be misled by a man

who convinced me
that he loved me and I loved him.

I believed him.

But it wasn't love.
It was being faithful.

Being faithful meant a lot to me.
It still does.

I believe that to really love,
you must think it'll last forever.

But we all make mistakes.

You won't make any more?

I don't know. But I won't believe
something's love, when it isn't.

Love burns.
I want to burn with love.

When it's worth it, I hope.

For whom?

I don't know.

It'll happen, I don't know when,
but quite unexpectedly.

Maybe never.

I hope not. But I'll burn.

But, will you know
where to aim your flame?

No. I said it would happen

quite unexpectedly.

Then, you'll make another mistake.

That's true. I could.

You're free, now. Enjoy it.
Don't tie yourself down.

That depends to whom.

Freedom doesn't interest me.

I don't think the way you do.

What bothered me, if I may say so,

wasn't being attached,

but being attached to someone
I didn't burn for.

I've never burned with love...
except in dreams,

as girls do for a movie-star,

a prince, an athlete, a face
glimpsed and never seen again.

But it wasn't love.

I've probably set hearts aflame.

But they belonged to people

I didn't care about,
so I never noticed.

Men may have killed
themselves over me!

I hope not.

If they did, I never found out.

But, strange as it may seem,
one thing has never happened,

to spark a love in myself
and in another,

instantly and reciprocally.

But I don't despair.

It'll happen one day,

and suddenly,
I'll go up in flames.

Maybe not suddenly. Just as well.

Passion that flames too quickly,
burns out too fast.

No, it must catch right away,
take you by surprise.

And after that?
After the suprise?

After the surprise...

it's all surprises.
Why worry about "after"?

Because love, like life,
exists in time.

Yes, but in the present.

You live in an improbable future,
so you don't live.

What? You don't know me!

I do a little...
I can guess... see through you.

So what?

Let me ask you a question.

I gather you live alone?
- For now.

Do you like it?

No. I'm like Marion, waiting.

To burn with passion?

For a deep and lasting love.

I believe in it, even if you don't.
Meanwhile, I live.

Live? You live on hope?
- Maybe, but I live well.

Better than if I compromised
with someone I didn't really love.

I'm in the same boat you both are.

I lived with a girl.
We stayed together too long,

and a few months ago
had the guts to split up.

And now you're looking for
the ideal woman?

I'd say,

someone I could trust,

even if at first...

Forget it!

Even if what?

I've said enough.

Less than I did!

And I! You said the least!

No, I don't think so.

That's right,
Pauline hasn't said a word.

True.

Let's see. Are you waiting, too?

Of course.

You have hopes?

Sure. At my age,
I'd be dumb not to.

Have you ever been in love?

You told me you had been.

I did not. Maybe I made it up.

Then tell us.
We won't hold it against you.

It's not interesting.

Yes, it is.

We talk about it.
Why won't you?

Because I don't feel like it.

Even if it's interesting to you,
at my age it isn't.

And at our age?

Obviously, since you talk about it!

Doesn't it interest you?

Yes, I learn things.

Then you're not being fair.
We could learn from you.

You don't need to.
You know enough.

She's putting on airs!

Be nice, answer.
Have you ever been in love?

Who with?

A boy.

Your age?

No, he was old.

How old?

12. I was 6.
He was very old for me.

Is that all?

She's putting us on.

I don't agree with any of you.
Except maybe Pierre.

Really? What do you think?

I couldn't get all excited about
someone without knowing him.

You must know people
to love them.

People?

She always says that.

Boys, then.

To love them,
or be friends with them?

Both. It's the same.

Yes, it is.

No, it isn't.

Anyway, I'll never fall in love
with someone I don't know.

How do you know?
What about that boy?

Which one? The 12-year old?

No, another. It doesn't count,
it was like a dream.

You're right. Love is a dream.

Not entirely.

Her feet are on the ground!

You said love must be shared.

And you want it to happen
right away, at first sight.

People's superficial aspects don't
interest me. The deeper ones do.

But you sense them underneath.

Love is when, beneath the surface,

you see in a flash,
a person's whole depth.

But you said one can make mistakes.

That's true. But what can one do?

She's seeing
right into our souls there!

No, for that I'd have to be in love.

For the moment,
you're all quite opaque.

Even Pauline.

Let's go dancing?

Where?
- There's nowhere to go.

The Casino!

It's awful.

Doesn't matter!

We'll have fun together.

I'm going home!

Pierre, don't!

OK, but I warned you.

Isn't it great that we met again?

I feel younger suddenly.

You haven't changed... in 5 years.

Neither have you.

I still love you as much.

So do I.

What's got into you?

Kiss me. You used to before.

Before? Before I got married!

So much has happened since.

You said you hadn't changed!

Physically!

If I'd loved you,
I'd have married you.

You said
you'd made a mistake!

With you it would have been
a mistake, too! It's just as well.

Come on.
They'll wonder where we are.

Wait! Listen to me.
You must understand.

If you believe in
love at first sight...

Tonight all my old love resurfaced.

I realized no other woman made
and still makes me feel like you do.

You're drunk!

If you're my friend, leave me alone.

I don't want to hear about love.

That's all you talked about
all evening.

In the abstract.

You might as well know.

If I ever love anyone again,
it won't be you.

I can wait.

No, I value you as a friend,
but love can't be forced.

You may change your mind.

Why are you so biased against me?

Listen! Stop talking about that.

OK. But I had to get it off
my chest.

Pauline, Pierre wants
to dance with you.

Let's go to my house.
It's on the way. For a last drink.

Let's go to my place.
Pauline's tired.

OK. I'll follow you.
See you there.

What's that?

I haven't finished it.

Let me see them all.

We're late!

Did you sleep well?

I got up at 11:30...

No, don't touch it.
I'll show you.

Bring the sail up very slowly.

Careful! Stand behind me.

Very slowly...

Let the sail flap... cross your hand over
and hold it like this.

On the sand?

Stand like that.
I'll put my foot there.

I lean back?

But feel... the wind filling it.

And my arm?

Try again.

It's very hard.

She's too much!

I've seen worse!

I've got it now.

It's very hard.
- It's all balance.

He doesn't know what to do.
Can I show her?

You know how? Got a board?

I don't like those things much.
I have a sailboat, in Granville.

Your hands aren't
in the right place.

Like that.
- With your hand...

It's really hard.

The wind's against us.

You been here long?

We just arrived.

Place your legs right.

Is she your sister?

My cousin. Cute, isn't she?

Who's he?

Pauline, watch
or you'll never learn!

Pauline, your turn.

That's all for me.

Coming tomorrow?

Maybe.

See you later.

Stand straighter.

Watch for the wind.

Were you waiting?
Am I late?

I came to see you alone.

I'd be embarrassed
in front of the others.

Then come in.

I'm ashamed of myself.

It never happened so fast before.

What could be better?

You wanted to go up in flames!

If it was reciprocal.

It is.

I doubt it.

I'm only your latest conquest.

You see things in terms
of ownership and possession. I don't.

We spent a wonderful night together.

Let's spend more,
as many as you want.

Why? You don't want to?

The logistics are too complicated.

Why? What's stopping us?

Come to my place.

Move in.
You'll be more comfortable.

And Pauline?

She can come too.
Marie's leaving. It's a big house.

No, I'd be too embarrassed
to tell her.

What's wrong with her knowing?

I'm responsible for her.

Don't be silly.

She needs a boyfriend.

It's time she lost her cherry!

All right?

Of course not.
And Pierre's acting so jealous!

You told him?

No, he hasn't a clue.
He asked me to dinner tonight.

Without me, of course.

I don't mind.
Will I see you later?

No, I'm dining alone.

I'll stay home and go to bed.
I'm tired.

Pauline needs sleep, too.
We'll meet tomorrow.

I can't tomorrow.
I'm taking Marie back home.

I won't be back
until late afternoon.

Come to my house for dinner.

You come to my house.

It's my turn to invite you.

Will Pierre be there?

I'm afraid I can't avoid that.

I like him a lot.
But he's impossible.

It's all so complicated.

No, it's very simple.

Learn to live for the moment.
It'll make you stronger.

I'm so weak!

Come on.

How did it go?

Pauline, come back!

Have you had breakfast?

Why did you pretend
not to see us yesterday?

Your Henri gets on my nerves.

He's not mine. He's yours.
You introduced us!

He did it himself!
I barely know him.

We talked about boats one day.
He knows a lot. But he's no friend.

You can't keep him off the beach.
It's as much his as yours.

Maybe more.
It's in front of his house.

Why swim there? You have a car.
We could go elsewhere.

I like it there.
I'm not avoiding anyone.

Because...

he's there?

Maybe.

When he comes, I'll leave.
So you'll be alone.

You're out of your mind!

I don't get you. You want to be free
and you see that guy!

I'm free to see who I want.

He's not interesting.

You're wrong! He is!

Since you insist.
He's more interesting than you.

I hate to say it,
but in all sorts of ways.

Compared to you, no.

Compared to me?
I'll be the judge.

Why are you making a scene?
You promised not to.

I can stand
that you don't love me,

but that guy's just taking you
for a ride!

He is not!

He's the one who said it.
He takes them as they come.

You don't mean more than another.

Listen,

the more you knock him,
the more interesting he gets.

So let's drop this,
and stay friends, OK?

I say it as a friend,
watch out for him.

Maybe he's dangerous,
but danger fascinates me.

Don't say that!

It's too bad you're not my friend.
If you were, you could help me.

Help you how?

To resist this fascination.

Yourjealousy makes things worse.

You once could've prevented me
from marrying a man I didn't love.

You'd already dropped me!

Because you were so jealous.

If you weren't so jealous,
and had a girlfriend...

I live alone.
I can still be your friend.

Go after Pauline.

I mean it!

She's just a kid!

You're teaching her windsurfing.
Why not love?

I hope you're joking.

Anyway, I don't stand a chance.
She only likes guys her age.

Boys her age are stupid and brutal.

You'd do her a lot of good.

I'm not that dedicated.

Are you alone?

They're out there.

Are they going far?

She's a great swimmer.
She can go for miles.

And you?

I did OK as a junior at 25 yards!

Want to swim?
- Not right now.

Then let's sit down.

Did you think I'd come?

And you?

I knew you came here.

You came for me?

I wouldn't walk 5 miles
just to swim!

Maybe to see Marion.

Are you crazy?

Admit you like her.

Sure, who wouldn't?
But she's not exactly my type.

I like more natural girls.

Was that guy her boyfriend?

Her brother?

Think so?

I don't know...
They look a bit alike. Anyway...

He's a friend.

She's married, but getting divorced.
It's your big chance!

That chick's not for me!

Do you have a girlfriend?
- In Paris.

I was seeing a girl here,
but we had a fight.

You got a guy?

Loads!

So there's room for one more!

Won't be you!

Who said I applied?

I don't like to be touched.

And all those guys?
- They don't dare.

They're not boyfriends.

Let's go for a swim.

Pauline! Come here!

Gone swimming yet?

We were just going.

I'd go with you,
but I have to go home.

I was in Rennes.
My car's in the garage.

Marion not here?
- She's with Pierre.

Out there. See?

Where?
- There.

Ah, yes! Amazing!

We were supposed to meet at 6,
but I got back early.

I bought this on the way.

I had the tune in my head.
Remember, at the casino,

they'd destroyed it.
Do you know it?

I'm going home. If you want,
come hear it.

Go on. Don't worry about me.

I have to stop by the post office.
I'll be back.

If you leave,
push the door shut.

There's nothing to steal,
anyway. 'Bye.

I like that guy.
Is he your cousin, too?

No, we met the other day.

He picked you up?

He's a pal of Pierre's.

Isn't he your cousin's boyfriend?

She only met him 2 days ago!

He's more likely to get her
than the other guy.

I'm for Pierre.
He's younger and more handsome.

Marion and he are great together.

That guy's going to get her.
Want to bet?

Anyway, you won't get her.

Hi there!

How's tricks?

Give me some peanuts.

Here. Haven't seen you in a while.

I was away.
At my brother's wedding in St. Lo.

I may not stick around.

August was booming,
but now I'm bored.

You're not going swimming?
- Alone? Let's go together.

I have to mail this letter.
I'm busy later.

Tomorrow morning?

I'm not here mornings.

So we'll do it another day.

Henri, I was looking for you.

At my place?
You should've waited.

No. Do you know what's happening
at your place right now?

What? They're dancing.

Dancing? They're in bed!

I don't believe it!
What did you say?

I was so taken aback,
I was speechless.

Fine. Leave them alone.

Really!

Upset because of her parents?

No, just myself.

She shouldn't be picking up idiots
on the beach.

But she won't listen to me.

He's no idiot.
They're great together.

That girl's funny.

Candy apple?

No thanks.

Then let's go.

No, not while they're still there.

Here they come.

They didn't have time to do much!

See you later.

Wouldn't it be simpler
if you moved in?

No, I have to watch Pauline.

I don't want her to bring
just anyone home.

At my place I can throw them out.

It's better if you come to my house.

For dinner?

Do you mind
if I leave at 6 a. M?

It's the best time to work.

And that way
your little cousin won't know.

I think she already does.

I'm glad.

The embarrassing thing
is telling her...

Wait...

Are you coming with us tomorrow,
to Mont St. Michel?

Mont St. Michel?
Tomorrow? You're joking!

Pauline wants to see it.

She needs something to tell
her parents when she gets back.

Besides her amorous escapades!

No... Tourists bring out
the murderer in me!

And your little cousin
doesn't seem too fond of me.

I think...

she wanted me
to fall in love with Pierre.

Come here!

The girls went to Mont St. Michel.

I just stopped by
in case they hadn't.

I was going sailing,
but it was put off till tomorrow.

Come for a swim with us.

OK. I'm coming.

Do you like it?

Come on.

Hey! The girl's coming!

Tell her to hide! Hurry!

Forgive me,
I saw the TV on, so I came up.

Good. I went swimming.
It's chilly today. Let's go down.

In that wet towel?

Right. I'll change. Wait downstairs?

We're disturbing someone.

Someone?

Too bad for them if you know.

Hurry up! I want to get dressed.

Now you lend your bed?

I lend nothing.

I was on the phone
and they snuck up.

I was chasing them out
when you came.

I was right to be wary of that kid.

Where's Pauline?

Luckily, at home. Resting.

Better not tell her. Right?

If that boy tries
to see her again, I will!

Don't upset her for nothing.

I hope I'm not disturbing you?

I came now,
since I can't come evenings.

Why not say you won't come!

No, I can't. It's physical.
That guy literally repels me.

Well, he attracts me.

I loathe him. Do you know
what he reminds me of?

A snake.

I'm more like a snake,
with my serpentine figure!

I mean he's not attractive,
he just has you under a spell.

No, I've bewitched him.

Has he scored?

What an ugly word!

Not the word, the act!

Pierre, please!

The answer is yes!

Why go so far to get
what you have right here?

I feel so close to you.

Too close!

I don't want someone like me,
but someone who complements me.

You're perfect.
You don't need anyone.

Everyone does.

Love is what allows us
to fulfill ourselves.

Love? Sleeping with a guy
you'll never see again? That's love?

We'll see each other again.

People in love can go
anywhere on earth in 2 days.

I'll go see him,
or he'll come see me.

I'm not crazy.

I was crazy when I lived with a guy
who followed me like a dog.

You're like a nice dog, too.

Don't be too sure.

If Henri gets away from me...

No matter!

I'll dream of him
while we're apart,

and enjoy being with him
even more.

Better a few intense moments
with him,

than sharing a comfortable life
like yours.

I need to feel exalted.

Exalt yourself alone,
with your calling.

Calling?

Your work!

It's in Paris, not the South Seas.

You're a flower
that only blooms on home soil.

Next you'll accuse me
of betraying France!

The things jealousy
makes you say!

You're into dime-store exoticism!

Enough of him! He's forgotten you.
It's your attitude I deplore.

Attitude! I don't have an attitude.
I love a specific man.

You don't!

I love him and he loves me.

No, he does not love you!

You don't know!

No, you can't know.

I tell you I do...
And I can prove it!

Visual... physical proof!
If only I'd had a camera...

What do you mean? When?

Yesterday, at his place,
while you were away.

He was with the girl
who sells candy.

You saw them?

I was passing behind his villa.

She was naked in his room.

Was he there too?

I doubt she was alone!

Think I'm making it up?

No, you're not.

It's quite true.
Because I was there.

What?

Luckily, I stopped by Henri's place
on my way home.

The girl was there,
but with Sylvain.

So he lends out his room?

No, we had to chase them out.
I... we went up,

and they hid in the bathroom.

Was Pauline there?

No, she was... home.

Did you tell her?
- It's better not to.

If you'd made a play for her,
this wouldn't have happened!

If you both went for more
interesting guys, it wouldn't either.

You both like guys who don't care.

Henri cares!

See where your snooping leads.
Just stop it.

I have nothing more to say.

I'd sworn not to see you again.
I'm leaving.

Listen, Pierre.
You're incredible!

You want to tell people
what to feel!

I'd like you so much
if you weren't so jealous.

Well I am.

I am because...

Because I love you.

To hell with it. I'm off.

You're leaving?

Take Pauline.
She wants to go to the beach.

So you can be with him! Go on!

But don't say
I'm curtailing your freedom.

Pauline, you coming?

Believe me,

she likes you,
a lot more than you think.

There!

Perfect!
Lean back... against you.

That's it. Perfect.
You can feel the wind, right?

Let's stop there.
We'll do some more later.

We'll get a bite to eat, OK?

There. You're not cold?

You don't want this?

Hi!

Have you seen Sylvain today?

No, I haven't.

Thanks, 'bye.

That's OK. 'Bye.

If he was here, you'd see him.

It's strange. He told me
he'd be here today for sure.

When did he say it?

Two days ago.
Yesterday,

I was at Mont St. Michel,
he was sailing.

The day's not over.
We'll borrow a dinghy.

Look! The sea's lovely.

I don't want to.

What is it?

Don't cry just because
some creep stood you up!

He's not like that. You don't
know him, and he's done you no harm!

Let's buy candy.

Want something?

Some peanuts.

How much?
- 5 francs.

I have the exact amount!

Listen...

You haven't seen Sylvain?

Sylvain? I haven't seen anyone.
I just got here.

See you!

Why ask her? She doesn't know him.
She'd say anything.

One never knows...

You're acting weird...

You're making fun of me.

No, I'm not.
I was just trying to help.

Something's going on.

What did you all tell him,
to keep him away?

I never spoke to him.

Not you, Marion or Henri.

You're imagining things.

She'd do it.
She's turned you against him.

That won't stop me
from seeing him.

She didn't say a word.

All right, she did.

OK, you asked for it. I have nothing
against him. I don't know him,

but my advice is to watch out
for guys who...

cruise around picking up girls
on every beach.

He's not like that!

How do you know?

And what do you know?
Anyway, goodbye!

Listen Pauline!

Let go! I don't want to hear
you say nasty things.

Thanks for the windsurfing lessons.
I'll learn later.

Come on, let's go eat.
- I'm not hungry.

Why do you all criticize me?

I could criticize you,
Marion, Henri, too...

Marion doesn't want you
seeing shady types.

She sees a few herself.
Henri's very shady. So are you.

You're all shady and tricky.
Sylvain is on the level.

On the level?

Yes, and you're a dirty hypocrite!

What if he was with another girl?

Go ahead, invent some more!

When? Now?

Yesterday.

I didn't want to tell you,
but you're being had.

Ask Marion what he was doing
with the candy girl.

He was sailing.

He was taking you for a ride!

Ask Marion.

Let's go.

Not now. We'll disturb her!

Sorry to bother you,

but I've been called a liar.

He says such vile things.
- Only what I was told.

What? You didn't tell her...

It's not true? You didn't say that?

If I told you, it's because
I thought you could be discreet.

Forgive me.

I didn't want to hurt you.
But you've been had.

You're old enough
to know the truth.

Why did you tell that story?

Especially to a gossip!

I didn't tell him. He saw the girl.
He was spying.

That's not true!
I wasn't spying. I passed by.

Sure!

Listen to me... nothing happened.

He really cares about you.

Nothing happened between them.
I swear.

She threw herself at him,
dragged him into the bathroom.

It's a pity Sylvain isn't here.
His sailing trip was changed to today.

He had no way of telling you.
It's too bad I didn't see you.

Why don't you mind
your own business!

See what you've done?

Did she find that guy?

Do you care?

You asked me where he was.
I don't give a hoot!

The kid was worried.
They had a date.

Shouldn't worry about guys.
Is she his sweetheart?

You didn't know?

I don't know him. Well, vaguely.

Vaguely?
- What are you saying?

No, nothing.

Do you know Henri?

His buddy? Maybe. You a cop?

His fiancee says
she caught you with him.

With Henri or Sylvain?

Sylvain. That's what she said.

I don't care what she says.

So it's true?

Who cares! Only the truth hurts.

Then it's a lie?

None of your business.
I don't know you.

Anyone who gossips about me,
I'll get my fiance to beat him up.

I've got a fiance, two even!
One here and one in America.

They don't let people
badmouth me!

But they let you chase guys?

Me, chase guys? You nuts?

I can have as many guys as I want!

But I only like 'em real handsome.

Then you like Henri?

He's not bad.
But I never chased him or anyone else.

The girl heard you were
with her guy.

Who the hell told her that?
The blonde?

Yes. Is it true or false?

False, of course. Can you see me
with that little kid?

So you were with Henri?

Quit prying! That chick made it up!
I wasn't with anyone!

Who were you with in Henri's room?

I never was in his room!

Who told you?

Who were you with?

Who told you?
The girl? How could she know?

I was behind the house. I saw you.

Bunch of cops! Maybe I was
with Henri. So what?

Do you have to broadcast it?

Think of that poor girl.
I don't want to upset her.

So he told you to go into the bathroom
and pretend you were together.

He said nothing. I went in there.

So I wouldn't get caught in bed.
I hate that!

And Sylvain?

He pushed him in.
I didn't know why.

Now I get it!
She saw us through the door.

What could we say? I was ashamed.
I was blushing.

I was only wearing only a towel,
my swimsuit was drying downstairs.

So he got off scot free!
I don't like doing that kind of favour!

I don't like being used...
Is she your sister?

Who? Marion? Well, yes.

I thought so.
You won't tell her?

No... But I'll tell the young girl.

Her guy'll tell her.
She your sister too?

No, a cousin... my cousin, that is.

It's none of my business,
but I'd say they keep bad company.

They're cute,
especially the older one.

Too bad you're her brother.
You'd make a nice couple.

Are you free tonight?

Tonight?

It's my last day.
I want to celebrate.

All my pals have left, except my
fiance. But I see too much of him.

No thanks, I can't.

On me! I have money...

No, really...

'Cause I'm a pedlar?

You're crazy! Tonight... I'm...

...invited to my cousin's.

Too bad. I'll find someone.
Have a nice time.

Have you seen Pauline?

I think she's at Henri's.

It's not the time to explain...

I've nothing to explain.

What did you tell them?
We shut up and you talk!

I didn't say anything!

Then your chick did?

Pierre did.

That guy?

What does he know?

He was behind the wall, spying.
He saw her in my room.

He saw her with you, not with me!

He only saw her.
Which suits me fine.

Not me! I won't take the rap!

I told Pauline the girl hustled you,
and you turned her down.

You bet you did!
You're a real bastard!

We're young, so you use us
to get what you want.

That's disgusting!

Where do they live?

You don't know?
3 miles up in the hills.

Go ahead! Be my guest!

Where exactly?

Well... I know how to get
there by car... Let's see...

I'm warning you, by tomorrow,
Pauline and Marion will know it all.

Tomorrow's different.

Some things one must break gently...

Did he break it gently to Pauline?

Just because one girl's crying,
why make both cry?

But the wrong one's crying!

It doesn't matter.

I really don't get you!

You've got a fabulous girl and
you mess around with that bimbo?

I guess I'm not prejudiced.
And that bimbo is a real turn-on.

Maybe to old guys!

Thanks. OK, so I'm old.

Listen, all my life I've loved
and been loved. Now I'm fed up.

I'm resting. I'm through
with passion. Marion annoys me.

Then don't chase her.

She's chasing me! And one can't
pass up a girl like her!

You don't give a damn?

No, I like her,
I'm even fond of her.

But I hate making people cry.

In fact, I'm too nice.

It really gets me into trouble.

I hate seeing you so sad.

I shouldn't have told Pierre.

I'd rather know.
And, I'm not that sad.

I liked Sylvain,
but I wasn't really in love.

I didn't like him.

To each his own.

You took the first comer.

What about you?

Let's not argue...

But you could have done better,
even here.

To get some experience.
Do you know who I mean?

He's old!

He's young and handsome.

Some girls my age
like adults. I don't.

Pierre's very nice to me,
I don't mind him, but...

I wish you wouldn't talk
about him like that.

But I'm flattering him.
He's very attractive.

You take him.
You'd be great together.

Maybe.

But love can't be forced.
To me he's a little boy.

To me, he's old. As old as Henri.
But nicer and better looking.

You see,

I can't convince you to love him
and you can't convince me either.

Everything bad you say
about Henri

and that I already tell myself,
won't make me drop him.

Like what?

I don't know...

That our love is impossible.

That I'm mad to fall for someone
who lives so far away,

who loves me less
than I love him.

Even though...

I think he's hooked, despite
his pretended indifference.

I feel my love is so strong,

that I'll make him share it,
if I'm given enough time.

I want to make him really
fall in love.

So that if I suffer, he will too.

Why make him suffer
if you love him?

In love one must share everything,

pleasure and pain.

You say that love can't be forced,

yet you want
to make him love you.

Love me more!

But I'm sure he's more in love
than he lets show.

Who's there?

Telegram for you.

I have to be in Paris this afternoon,
I'll come back by train tomorrow.

I'll drop you at the beach.
Pierre or Henri will bring you back.

I don't want to go.

How are you?

You didn't come today?

Marion had to go to Paris.

She left you alone?
She could've driven you to the beach.

I didn't want to see anyone today.

OK... I'll go.

I wanted to apologize
for yesterday.

You were right to tell me.

Your friend must be furious.

Henri must've told him
you talked.

You didn't?

No, he showed up as we were leaving.

What? You haven't talked to him?

I don't want to see him again.

That's terrible! It's Henri
who was with the girl.

Henri? You saw her with Sylvain,
so did Marion.

Henri fooled us all.
He's diabolical!

He pushed your friend
into the bathroom with the girl.

Sylvain agreed to it?

He didn't dare speak up.

I doubt it. How do you know?

The girl told me,
and it makes more sense.

Have you seen Sylvain today?

He wasn't at the beach,
neither was Henri.

Maybe he is now. Shall we go?

No one.

Let's go to Granville.

He must've gone sailing
with his dad.

Let's check the port.

No, they'd be back by now.

Let's go anyway, we'll find out.

Do you know where he lives?

Here in Granville.
But I don't know his address.

He doesn't have mine, there was
no need, we'd meet on the beach.

Shall we go eat?

OK.

What's on your mind?

No one tolerates
other people's choices.

You don't like Marion with Henri.

She doesn't like Sylvain with me,
I don't understand Henri and the girl.

They're the only two
I do understand.

Because it suits you.
Suits me too, but still...

When couples are well-matched...
then it's OK.

Then Sylvain and I are OK.

We're well-matched.

I've nothing special against him
besides what happened yesterday...

But you can do better
than a kid like that.

Because he's young?

I wasn't like that at his age.

What were you like?

Tender and romantic.

He's tender too.

You both fell for the least
interesting guys around!

Not interesting to you,
but to us they are.

Yes, sure.

How come you decide
what others are to like or dislike?

All right,
let's say Sylvain's OK.

But not Henri!

She can't love him...
or she's insane.

Love's a form of insanity.

No, you love what's good,
and good for you.

There's no mistaking true love,
and she did.

She says it herself,
she's done it all her life.

What infuriates me is seeing
people create their own misery.

If she loved what was good for her,

I'd be the first to approve.

She always goes for
what is most remote from her.

Whereas I feel so close.

When I saw her again

the sense of familiarity
was so strong.

I knew she was for me,
that she was part of me.

That's it, you're too close.
She knows you by heart.

You hold no mystery for her.
You're not strange.

I don't want to be.
I hate anything strange!

When I met her she loved
a strange guy, worse than Henri.

I knew it wouldn't last,
that I'd get her eventually.

Then a third guy showed up...
and he got her.

Do you know him?

Her husband? I met him
when I was little. He's not strange.

No, he's ordinary. She married
someone ordinary but not me.

You missed your chance.
You didn't assert yourself.

I hate asserting myself.

I want to wait
till she comes to me on her own.

So wait.

I'll wait.
For as long as it takes.

Till... she loves me.

Or if it's too long...
till I've stopped loving her.

Quite possibly
I'll stop loving her some day.

By then she may love me.
But it'll be too late. I'll be even!

In fact, you don't love her.
You want her to love you.

If you love someone,
you want to be loved back.

Her not loving me and loving Henri,
doesn't make me jealous,

it puts her below the level
where I can love her.

That's so pretentious! Do you think
you're the center of the universe?

No.

But if she's attracted to people
who are the opposite of me,

if she's not made for me,
as I think I'm made for her,

and if the conviction
my love is based on, is destroyed,

then I stop loving her.
It's that simple!

You were here?

Hadn't you left?

For where?

We thought you'd gone
to Paris with Marion.

No. Where were you?

We went to the regatta...

I think we all have
important things to say.

My place is quieter.

I have to take Pauline home.

It's early and it's on her way.

First, she'd like a few words
from you. Right?

OK. Come here, Pauline.

I hope you didn't believe that story
about Sylvain and the girl.

Marion made it up.

He was with the girl.

Yes, I was. It's all my fault.
Kiss and make up.

How could you
let him talk you into it?

It would've made trouble...

Hasn't there been enough trouble?
I don't matter!

You're all disgusting! All of you!

Let's get going.

Let's drink

to our reconciliation.

Are you still mad?

Not with you.

With me?

Pour!

With you she is!
- Why, I wasn't involved.

I hope she forgives you.

Cheers!

You think I'm machiavellian,
not at all!

I did it without thinking,

I thought you'd hide behind the door.
But you didn't.

Sure. Now it's my fault.

I hold nothing against you.

You were free to do anything...
even tell Marion.

Me tell your chick?
I'm not like him, a rat fink!

What?

You're a rat fink, so shut up!

Who cares about little creeps
like you!

Big assholes
won't keep me awake nights!

So go to sleep!

That's enough!

I said we'd all make up.

It was my fault, OK?
Now let's forget the whole thing.

Right, let's forget it.

I'm going back to Paris tomorrow.
I have to get to bed.

Come on, Pauline.

Henri'll take her home!

No way! I brought her,
I'll take her home.

Tell him you're staying!

Answer! You staying?

Watch it, joker!

That's enough!
Fight outside, not in my place!

You OK?

Great! She's in no shape to go home.
We have to wait till she calms down.

What time is it?
Weren't you due home at 11?

Yeah, I'll get in trouble again.

Pierre, take him home.

You do it.

He lives near you, it's easier.
I'll take Pauline home later.

I brought her, I'll take her back.

Don't be grotesque!

Please take Sylvain home.

He'll get in trouble.
Henri'll take me home. You mind?

Not at all.
You can spend the night here.

There's lots of room.

I'll take you both home.

Why? It's twice the distance!

An extra 5 miles! Coming?

I'm staying here.

What?

I'll sleep here.
Henri offered it. I accept.

Are you joking?

Not at all.

I don't want to go home.
I'd be afraid alone in the house.

No, I have to take you back.

You don't have to do anything.

I'm responsible for you.

You're not.
I'm responsible for myself.

True, my parents did leave me
in Marion's care.

But she left me in no one's care,
not yours or Henri's.

You don't think
I'll leave you alone with him?

Pierre! What's got into you?

I'm not the big bad wolf.
I won't eat her.

Then stay.

To me, it's an unfriendly act

that has spoiled our whole evening.

You're the one who's not a friend.
You never think of me.

I'm on holiday.

Just because my parents aren't here
doesn't mean

anyone can tell me
what I can or can't do.

I do what I feel like doing.
Henri invited me. I'm staying.

Well, good night.

Coming, Sylvain?

At least give me a kiss.
I hope you're not mad.

I'm sleepy. I'm going to bed.

Who?

I'm fine. How are you?

Where are you?

Kiperon?

What does that mean?

Quiberon! Yes, it's near here.

I'd like that a lot.

When? Tomorrow?

I'm free as a bird.
Marie's with her mother.

Why not today?

Give me an hour to get dressed
and I'll be there.

What's the boat's name?

"La Revoltosa",
red and black, twin masts.

See you soon.

Did I really hurt you?

You caught me by surprise.

Sorry, I just wanted
to wake you gently.

Don't be a hypocrite!

I'm a man, you're a woman,
with nice legs. Is that more honest?

I don't understand men,
especially old ones. They're never...

straightforward. Not you or Pierre,
Sylvain is direct.

Do you love him?

He hurt me. If he'd cheated on me...
But to play your games...

He didn't.
I told you, I pushed him.

Breakfast'll be ready in a moment.

Here. This is for Marion.

Give it to her.

I got a phone call.
I have to go to Quiberon.

I just have time to pack,

and drop you off, then I'll be gone.

When'll you be back?

I won't.
I'm going to Spain on a yacht.

We'll be gone a good 2 weeks.

And Marion?

I'd gladly take her,
but there's no room.

It won't be comfortable,
it's not a cruise.

It's very hard, with real pros.

Wait till she gets back at noon.

I can't, it'd be too late.
And I hate goodbyes.

Then say you can't face her!
You're a coward.

It's not cowardice.
She wouldn't understand.

I don't get what you see
in that other girl.

Only a pervert would chase her
when he's with a girl like Marion.

Marion is very beautiful.

She has a perfect body.

Too perfect, like a statue.

The figure all women want.
She's an ideal.

I admire her,
but I'm not that attracted,

less than by a woman
with imperfections.

Perfection is oppressive.

If genetic scientists
manipulating chromosomes

could create an ideal woman
like in Huxley's "Brave New World".

I'm sure that woman
would look like Marion.

In time all women
could be made to look like her.

Imagine the world
with millions of Marions!

That other girl
is much more artificial.

Her behaviour,
but not her nature.

That's not true! Marion is like
no other woman. She's unique!

Unique?

Sure, good thing too.

All people are.

Her uniqueness is so perfect,
it tends toward universality. Get it?

No, you don't.

Kids your age don't think
about such things.

This'll be easier to understand.

Marion threw herself at me.
She didn't give me time to desire her.

Learn to let yourself be desired,
or you'll be unhappy.

And another thing.

I didn't cheat on Marion
with Louisette, but the reverse.

I met Louisette first.

We'd kissed a bit,
but I'd never gotten her home.

So when the opportunity arose,
I made the most of it.

I'd think with Marion,
others'd be forgotten.

No, I stayed true to my desire.

I felt involved with Louisette.

You were much more involved
with Marion.

Physically, but not mentally
or by the desire I felt.

I'd met her first

so she had a kind of right.

But you don't understand
that either.

A bit better.

So, what shocks you?
That she's a pedlar?

Are you prejudiced now?

I'm shocked you're not in love
with Marion, insanely, like Pierre.

He doesn't question it.

He has no chance!

Why? He's as good as you!

You don't like me much, do you?

Rascal!

Hands off!

Don't worry.
We're leaving in 5 minutes.

What did he tell you?

That he was going on a boat
without you,

because it was uncomfortable.

You bet!

Just as well.
I don't really like goodbyes.

What'll you do?

What can I do?

I mean here.
Won't you be bored?

One's never bored in the country.

Why don't we go home.

Already?

I have to tell you this. Yesterday,
on the train, I was thinking

I said to myself that in fact

we have no proof of what really
happened with the candy girl.

Henri could've been with her,

and made me think it was Sylvain.

I hope that isn't true.
It would be...

...too horrible.

But you

shouldn't be upset by something
that may not be true.

I'm not upset.

Tell yourself it isn't true.
Convince yourself.

I'll remain convinced
of the opposite.

That way we'll both be satisfied.

I agree entirely.

Subtitling: C.M.C.