Valmont (1989) - full transcript
Set in Baroque France, a scheming widow and her lover make a bet regarding the corruption of a recently married woman. The lover, Valmont, bets that he can seduce her, even though she is an honorable woman. If he wins, he can have his lover to do as he will. However, in the process of seducing the married woman, Valmont falls in love. Based on the same novel as "Dangerous Liaisons."
Maman!
Cecile, darling.
Cecile, do you remember Madame de Merteuil?
Why, yes, of course.
What a beautiful young lady.
The last time I saw you,
you were just a little girl.
Madame, is it true that I'm getting married?
Who told you that?
Everybody's been talking about it.
I'm not supposed to say anything...
...but yes, it's true.
- To whom?
- I can't say.
- Please, Madame, please.
- I mean, I don't know.
Your mother's been so secretive about it.
But can you try and find out, please?
It's really sweet to see Cecile
so excited about her marriage.
Yes, she's excited, very excited.
- It almost has me worried.
- Why?
She's been at that convent since she was 11.
She's so innocent, so unprepared.
As long as her husband doesn't mind.
On the contrary.
He seems obsessed by her purity, virginity.
Who is he?
It was he who suggested
that she stay at the convent till the wedding.
That's very thoughtful. I like this in a man.
Who is he?
I'd rather not say.
I agreed to let him make the announcement.
I see.
My dear,
I'd love you to spend some time with Cecile.
She could learn so much from you.
I want her to enter this marriage
as innocent as she is...
...and as wise as you are.
You flatter me.
Cecile.
Do you see how I hold my fan?
Yes.
- Vicomte.
- Madame.
Mademoiselle.
Won't you introduce me
to your enchanting friend?
Cecile, if you allow your hand
to be held too long...
...men will take it as an encouragement.
Is this your first opera, mademoiselle?
Should I answer?
If you do answer...
...a man will take it as an invitation.
If you don't,
a gentleman will know he should leave.
So what should I do?
What do you want to do?
Yes, this is my first opera.
- I've never been to one before.
- Do you do any singing yourself?
Monsieur de Valmont,
may I have a word with you, please?
That young lady is the daughter of my cousin...
...Madame de Volanges.
She's about to get married,
and she's under my protection.
So you keep away from her.
How old did you say she was?
Fifteen, you monster.
I just wanted to let you know
that I'm going to leave Paris for a while.
Where are you going?
Do you really want to know?
If you want to tell me.
I'm going to visit my old aunt.
Your old aunt.
My old aunt, yes.
How old is your old aunt?
You know her, Madame de Rosemonde.
Madame de Rosemonde is still alive?
So if you get bored with playing chaperon,
you'll know where to find me.
And if you come, I'll be very happy.
Very happy.
Give my love to Madame de Rosemonde.
Who was that?
Cecile, that man is very bad
for a young lady's reputation.
Your mother shouldn't even know
he was in our box.
Is he your lover?
Cecile...
One doesn't ask questions like that.
Certainly not of a widow.
Widows don't have lovers?
No, they don't.
More.
More?
I want more.
Then...
...you might have to find yourself another lover.
No.
I'm very happy with the one I have.
You're not bored yet?
Unspeakably bored.
When shall I see you again?
Monday?
Monday. I can't.
- Tuesday?
- Tuesday...
I'm afraid not.
Wednesday?
I'll have to let you know.
Are you seeing somebody else?
Of course not.
Good afternoon, Madame.
No, it's A in the right hand, not B-flat.
- Madame!
- No. Don't stop.
This is...
I'm sorry.
- Chevalier de Danceny.
- Yes, Danceny.
He's giving me my music lessons.
- Nervous?
- Madame, feel my heart.
Don't be silly. Everyone will love your singing.
That's not it.
It's my husband, my fiance.
I know he's going to be there.
I know my mother's invited him.
Can you try and find out who he is?
Please?
My dear.
Cecile is so nervous. Poor thing.
She believes that her fiance is here today. Is he?
See? How does she know that? She's so clever.
- I never told her anything.
- Which one is he?
- You'll keep it to yourself?
- Of course.
Come. I'll introduce you, but...
Why is he so secretive?
I think he has a mistress,
and he's having trouble getting rid of her.
I heard she's a little...
I understand.
Monsieur de Gercourt, may I introduce you
to Madame de Merteuil?
You two know one another?
Do we?
If you remember that we do, madame...
...then your memory must be better than mine.
Then I suppose that we don't.
You couldn't have made a better choice, my dear.
"A knight riding through the glade
"Chanced on a pretty maid
"And as the sunlight played
"He wooed the pretty lady
"'Sir, go thy way,' the maiden replied
"'My lord came today to make me his bride
"'There are others, other roses
"'Leave me to my lord and go'
"Now, he did not believe it true
"Swore he would win the maid
"But her lord came and slew
"Both knight and pretty lady
"Friends, though your rose be so fair..."
She's so adorable.
I can't even feel jealous.
I wish you all the happiness in the world.
Thank you.
Lovely.
Is she...
Just resting, sir. Just resting.
- Shall I...
- No.
Let's take it out.
Is it my turn?
Do you remember me?
Of course I remember you.
- Just jog my memory a little.
- I'm Madame de Merteuil.
Of course you are, my dear.
- I just arrived.
- I know you've just arrived.
Where is my table?
Where is everybody?
Sir.
There she is.
Give me a push.
May I invite you for a ride?
No, you may not.
- Why not?
- I can't swim.
Neither can I.
No. My husband, he would
never forgive me if I drowned.
- Where is your husband, madame?
- He's in Rouen.
- You live in Rouen?
- No. We live in Paris.
My husband is a judge
and he has an important case in Rouen.
Do you love your husband, madame?
Yes, I love him very much.
- So why aren't you with him?
- Because I'm visiting your aunt.
Besides, when my husband works on
important cases he prefers to be alone.
- Does he often work on important cases?
- Yes, quite often.
- Then you must be an exceptional woman.
- No, it's...
- Not exceptional. Why?
- To love a husband who's never there.
- Are you married, Monsieur de Valmont?
- No.
I'm in love.
- You're in love.
- Yes.
- Then why aren't you with her?
- I am with her.
I'm talking to her right now.
- You shouldn't have said that.
- Why not? Is it wrong to be in love?
No, as long as the feeling's
mutual and legitimate.
Does that mean you don't love me?
Of course I don't love you.
Don't do that!
Monsieur de Valmont!
Monsieur de Valmont, please!
Don't do that. You frightened me.
What does it matter if I drown?
You don't love me.
Look, sometimes my friends
tell me I'm naive, but...
I'm not so silly that I don't see what you want.
Yes? What do I want?
If you don't stop talking that way,
we can't be friends.
All I want is to be near you...
...and to hear you telling me over and over
again that you don't love me at all.
No.
No, I'm not clever enough to talk to you.
Help!
Help me!
Help me!
Help! Help!
Vicomte.
What happened?
An accident.
So you did come.
Thank you, Azolan. I won't be needing you.
Yes, he will.
Prepare his traveling clothes and pack the rest.
- We're going to Paris.
- Wait.
Wait.
- Why?
- I need you in Paris...
...very much.
You may go.
What is it?
You remember my little cousin
from the opera?
Yes.
- You remember she's getting married?
- Yes.
Guess to whom.
How could I guess?
Monsieur de Gercourt.
Where do I fit in?
You're the only one who can help me.
Do you want me to challenge him to a duel?
Vicomte, for what I have in mind...
...I need you very much alive.
You know, little Cecile...
She reminds me so much of myself
when I was 15.
She's naive, innocent...
...pure.
Yes?
I want you to put an end to it.
I want you to take her virginity.
I want Gercourt to discover
on his wedding night...
...that he didn't get there first.
I want to make him the laughingstock of Paris.
You want me to seduce a little girl...
...who's seen nothing...
...who knows nothing...
...who'll probably flop on her back
out of simple curiosity?
You don't need me for that. Anyone can do that.
But I thought you liked her.
I thought I was doing you a favor.
Besides, I can't go to Paris now.
- Why?
- The air here is so fresh.
And you hear the birds singing.
You never hear the birds in Paris.
Who is she?
May I change the subject, madame?
Change anything you want, my dear.
Do you love your husband?
Yes.
Yes, I love him very much.
Then why are you here?
Why aren't you with him?
I'm afraid the Marquise and I share
the same banal curiosity.
Seems that Madame de Tourvel's husband
prefers to be alone when he works.
Men always say they prefer to be alone,
but I love my husband.
So, I go where he goes.
- Out of love?
- Why else?
Fear, maybe?
Fear? Of what?
- That you might be tempted.
- You mean, I might be tempted.
Shush, my love.
Are you hinting
that I could be unfaithful to my husband?
Not now, but, if you were alone...
Monsieur de Valmont,
you simply don't understand women.
You're right.
If a woman wants a little adventure,
she doesn't need to be alone.
She can manage it perfectly well
right under her husband's nose.
Isn't that true, madame?
That's not at all what I meant, madame.
Monsieur de Valmont,
I know some women might be weak...
...but...
...believe me,
there are women who will always be true.
Nonsense!
A true woman is a contradiction in terms.
Not always.
I believe that some women stay true.
I find them fascinating.
Men usually do.
I've noticed that.
Why is that?
Because men are always
chasing after visions, my dear.
They want us to be angels.
But in bed, they want us to be demons, my dear.
Yes, indeed.
But there always comes that morning surprise...
...when you wake up in the arms
of an ordinary woman.
Do you agree, Vicomte?
I believed that for a long time.
- And you don't anymore?
- No.
It seems to me, Vicomte,
that you believe one thing in Paris...
...and another in the country.
Maybe I believe one thing when I'm in love
and another when I'm not in love.
There's something
I've been wondering about all evening.
If you had your choice of all the ladies present...
...in whose arms would you spend the night?
No. That's not fair to Monsieur de Valmont.
The question is...
...which one of you ladies
would like to spend the night with him?
We all would?
Not me.
Not me.
I don't think the question is worth answering.
I suppose that just leaves me.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Valmont...
You disappoint me.
That's what's keeping you here? Tell me.
Are you really falling in love?
Would that make you jealous?
Not really.
- Why not?
- Because you're wasting your time.
- I don't think so.
- You'll never have her.
What do you want to wager?
Anything you want.
You.
Your body.
And if you lose?
Anything you want.
I want you to...
...shut yourself in a monastery,
anoint yourself with ashes...
...and repent for all your sins.
I accept.
Good night, my little monk.
I'm afraid you'll be very lonely.
Remember me in your prayers sometime.
You know, I keep thinking about
one thing you said at dinner.
I said so many things.
It had to do with your husband's nose.
And I thought you weren't interested.
Where have you been?
I've been looking for you desperately.
- Why? What happened?
- It's horrible.
- It's Cecile.
- What?
Come.
Did I show you the cabinet I gave Cecile?
It's an exquisite piece.
I told her,
"You can lock all your secrets in there."
Do you know what she said?
"Maman, you know it will never be locked."
Isn't that the sweetest thing
a daughter can say to a mother?
Yes.
It's locked.
- I have a duplicate key, of course.
- Of course.
So I looked inside.
Do you know what I found?
Letters. Love letters.
- From...
- From her miserable music teacher.
- That little boy?
- That little snake!
What did you do?
I didn't do anything.
Cecile doesn't even know I've read the letters.
I don't want her to know I have a key.
- Does her fiance know about this?
- Of course not.
Why don't I talk to her
and see what I can find out?
Yes?
Cecile.
Madame! Where have you been?
I've missed you.
How beautiful you look!
Thank you.
We must go to the opera again sometime.
I'd love to. It was so wonderful to see all that.
And those chandeliers and the music.
You should ask your music teacher
to teach you some songs from the opera.
I'll do that.
You happy with your music teacher?
He's a wonderful teacher, and...
Yes?
I can't tell you.
Cecile...
...if we're to be friends...
...we must trust each other completely.
He's been writing me letters.
Has he?
He writes so beautifully, madame.
What does he say?
I don't know, really.
He has all these feelings.
He's sad.
He has longings.
Do you love him, Cecile?
No, I don't.
So, should I answer him?
If you don't love him...
...it would be very wrong to encourage him.
But, madame, I lied.
I lied to you. I do love him. I'm so in love.
I don't want to marry my husband, madame.
He's old, and he's ugly.
I love Danceny.
Please, madame, help me.
I don't know what to do.
Let's write Danceny a letter.
I've already written him one.
May I see it?
You're not telling him
what you want to tell him, Cecile.
Get your pen.
- What do you call him?
- Chevalier.
Dear Chevalier...
Your love gives me the courage
to follow my heart.
I long to meet you somewhere...
...where we can finally be alone.
Our biggest obstacle is my mother.
- So?
- There's nothing to worry about.
Do you think so?
You won't believe
how innocent the whole thing is.
Really?
For example, do you know how
those letters get exchanged?
- How?
- But please...
...Cecile shouldn't know that I told you.
My dear.
They put them in the strings of the harp.
"Pity the fate of a fair young maiden
"Searching the meadows and woods in fear
"Useless for her to expend all her efforts
"Or to flee when a shepherd draws near
"If at night, as she turns to go home
"He who has watched her will then appear
"She must yield to my magical powers
"She cannot hope to keep her flower safe
"No matter how hard she try
"I'm a great wizard, a wizard am I
"I'm a great wizard, a wizard am I"
When you practice, mademoiselle,
you have to watch out for this passage.
It's...
One-two-three.
Your rhythm's quavering a bit.
You have to try and keep it steady.
Your daughter's a wonderful student, madame.
Take the cover off, Emile.
Why, maman?
What is this?
What is this?
I don't know.
It's a letter, madame.
It's a letter I wrote to your daughter.
She doesn't know anything about it.
She's telling the truth.
I'm glad to hear that, at least.
Will you wait for me here, young man?
Come along, Cecile.
Come.
Sit down.
Now tell me the truth.
You knew about the letter, didn't you?
No, I didn't. I swear I didn't know.
- Is this the first letter he wrote to you?
- Yes.
So why are you locking your cabinet?
Is it locked?
Give me the key.
I don't know where it is.
It's hanging round your neck.
I'm sorry, maman.
Forgive me. Please. I'm sorry.
Please, maman, forgive me.
Madame...
Young man, you have abused my hospitality...
...and you have abused
the innocence of my child.
You will never be admitted to this house again.
Here are the letters you had the audacity
to give to my daughter.
I want you to send me the letters
she wrote to you and I want them today.
- You may go.
- But, madame...
I don't want to have to call my footman.
Madame, I just want you to know that
I've never abused your hospitality...
...and I will never give back
the letters Cecile wrote to me.
In them, she opened her heart to me, not to you.
I won't betray her confidence.
Her trust means more to me than all your anger.
Good-bye.
No!
Chevalier!
Do you remember me?
I have a letter for you from Cecile.
My dear Cecile...
...to be alone with you is my greatest desire.
And Madame de Merteuil...
...has devised a plan for us to meet.
She will explain all the details to you.
I'll invite you and your mother to the opera.
But maman has forbidden me
even to leave the house for two weeks.
Precisely.
Which is why you will decline my invitation...
...like a good girl...
...so that your mother suspects nothing.
Do you understand?
Yes.
Then, when your mother and I...
...are just about to leave for the opera...
...I want you to run in and say...
Maman!
Maman, may I come with you?
Please? I promise... Maman.
Let me come with you! Please!
I want to go with you so much!
Please?
My angel, don't think I don't love you,
but you know perfectly well what you did...
...so stop acting like a silly child
and go back to your room.
So, here's your dress.
Let's change first.
Why?
Because you want to look beautiful, don't you?
You want me to change into this?
Madame de Merteuil had it made
especially for you.
Really?
Who lives here?
No one.
Take a sip, mademoiselle.
Madame de Merteuil has such exquisite taste.
But my legs show.
They look nice.
Mademoiselle, you look ravishing!
Mademoiselle, do you realize
that we've never been alone before?
Yes.
Please read it now.
Chevalier, this is a poem.
No. It's a song you know.
I only wrote new words for it.
You stay. Stay.
- What's the matter?
- I can't sit still.
I keep thinking about Cecile.
It just broke my heart to see her so miserable.
I must go home. You stay.
"Love
"If you will come to me
"I will be true to thee
"Two lovers true are we..."
No. You're making the same mistake again.
It's A in the right hand, not B-flat.
Is this a long song, Chevalier?
It's another 12 verses.
So?
What a nincompoop!
"Love
"Flowers bloom in my heart..."
Sorry to interrupt. Cecile has to go.
Cecile, get dressed.
- Why?
- Get dressed.
- Your mother is on her way home.
- My God!
- Don't panic, but we must hurry.
- Madame.
- How much can we trust your maid?
- Madame!
Your mother will question her.
- Yes?
- We want to get married.
- Is this true?
- Yes, it is.
Is it?
I think it is.
Will you help us, please?
Is this any time to discuss marriage?
Cecile!
- Martine!
- Yes, madame?
Where is Cecile?
Cecile?
She's...
...she has...
Where is she?
Have you been at your post all night?
Yes, madame.
- Has anyone come in?
- No, madame.
Martine.
Yes, madame?
Did she go and see that music teacher?
I don't know, madame.
She doesn't talk to me anymore.
She only talks to Madame de Merteuil now.
And she...
She...
Emile.
Maman. Forgive me, please, maman. Please.
I wanted to be with you so much!
My dear, don't be harsh with her.
She's sorry. She's so sorry.
- Maman.
- Cecile.
Of course I forgive you.
Maman! Please, maman. I'm sorry.
Please forgive me. Please!
Maybe...
...I just don't understand her.
Do you think she's ready to be married?
Of course she is.
I even thought...
...of sending her back to the convent.
No.
No.
I would just get her out of Paris for a while.
If you like, I could take her to the country.
It isn't easy to find you.
I have a surprise for you.
Monsieur de Valmont...
...I must talk to you.
- I know a place. Give me your hand.
- No.
No.
Why didn't you ever tell me?
- What?
- That you're such a brilliant archer.
- What are you talking about?
- Come, I'll show you. Give me your hand.
I'm a brilliant archer?
You'll see. Come on.
Azolan.
What are you waiting for?
Good boys.
Here, sir.
- But I've never shot an arrow in my life.
- Put your hand here...
...and your other hand here.
There.
- Ready?
- Yeah.
Now let go.
What a shot!
I knew I was right.
You are a brilliant archer.
Now, if you were to take this coin...
...and throw it in that bush,
what do you suppose would happen?
- May I read you something?
- Yes.
This letter is from a close friend of mine.
"All his life,
Monsieur de Valmont has been and is...
"... a consummate master of the art of seduction.
"Hundreds of women,
and I am not exaggerating, madame...
"... have paid for it.
"He has charmed his countless victims...
"... designing his every gesture,
every word, every smile...
"... in a cold-blooded scheme...
"... that has only one squalid end:
"to destroy the woman's honor."
Is this true?
Who wrote that?
Is it?
Monsieur de Valmont,
don't waste your time on me.
I am not, and I never will be, one of those women.
I know that.
So, why do you keep trying?
I don't even know.
Vicomte.
Can we offer you a ride?
Look who I brought with me.
- You remember my little cousin.
- Good afternoon.
Would you like to join us?
Attaque!
En garde.
Attaque!
En garde.
Attaque.
En garde.
Next.
Next.
- What's your name, young man?
- Chevalier de Danceny.
Good wrist.
I'm glad you want to join my regiment.
I don't, sir.
Next.
Such a pity that he doesn't have any children.
Children just adore my nephew.
I'm not a child!
Of course not. You're a knight defending
the honor of his lady.
Attaque!
Madame?
You've known Monsieur de Valmont
a long time, haven't you?
Yes. A long time.
What kind of man is he?
He's...
If I had a brother,
I'd want him to be just like Valmont.
Do you think a man can change?
How old are you?
22.
May I offer you some advice?
Yes.
I think you should leave this place, madame.
I think you should go and join your husband.
Why do you say that?
Are you in love with Monsieur de Valmont?
No, certainly not.
That's good.
Sorry. I'm sorry.
Because he's in love with you, you know?
I'm dying.
I'm dying. Forgive me my sins. Have mercy!
- I'm dying. Forgive me!
- He's dead! I killed him.
I won!
Good night, my dears.
- Good night.
- Good night.
I don't recognize you. Just look at her.
How can you resist this?
Please don't start that again.
How's it going with the little Tourvel?
Would you like to cancel our bet?
Certainly not.
- Aren't you getting a little too serious?
- What are you talking about?
About love, my angel.
What else?
I have to write a letter to Danceny.
It's all right.
It's all right. You don't have
to keep any secrets from him.
He's our friend.
Would you come and read it after I finish
and tell me if it's all right?
Why don't you ask Monsieur de Valmont?
He knows what men like to hear.
Would you, monsieur?
Of course he will. Now go up, start your letter.
- He'll be right up to help you.
- All right.
You never stop, do you?
All I'm asking is that
you help the poor child to write a letter.
Monsieur de Valmont.
- May I talk to you for a moment, please?
- Of course.
Come in.
- Sit down, please.
- Monsieur de Valmont?
- Yes?
- No, please don't interrupt me.
I would never tell you what to do...
...but...
Please...
Go away.
Please, go away.
I know I should be the one to leave.
I know it's my duty, but I haven't the strength.
I can't go on like this.
When I sit down, you sit next to me.
When I speak, you answer.
I blush in your company, and everybody sees it.
But, when...
When I am alone...
Please, go away. I beg you.
Please.
Please go.
Is that what you want?
Do you want me to say...
...that I don't want you to leave?
I can't say that. I can't!
No!
All right. Let's see what you have.
No.
This is no way to write a love letter.
Take a new sheet.
Dear madame...
Monsieur le Chevalier.
Did I err in giving you my heart?
- "Err" with double "R"?
- Double "R," yes.
Why do I feel...
...now that I'm not with you...
...that I love you...
...even more?
Why am I haunted by your face...
...my every waking minute...
...and every dreaming minute...
...of my nights?
Did I say to stop writing?
No.
So go on.
Ever since I've known you,
I can't think of anyone else.
I know that you love me...
...and I pray your love will last.
If we had another moment alone...
...I know you would take me in your arms...
...and I long to be with you.
I long to be with you.
Are you deaf?
No.
So keep writing.
I long to share...
...all those sweet moments.
Now...
...I only dream of them.
And the longer I'm without you...
...the more vivid my dreams become.
I only hope...
...that you think of me...
...with the same passion that I feel for you.
Do you have a better way to say it?
No.
So?
One day...
...we'll be together...
...and we'll know the joys of love.
And no man...
...no...
...god...
...can prevent this.
I must stop writing now.
I close my eyes...
...and you are here with me.
The castle is quiet...
...and I'm so happy.
I love you.
I love you.
My God. What happened?
Something awful happened, madame.
Something...
What?
I don't even know. It all happened...
Monsieur de Valmont wanted me to write...
...so I was writing that letter.
And?
You know.
Monsieur de Valmont is quite a writer, isn't he?
Believe me, madame.
I kept saying no.
But I kept doing what he wanted me to do.
But I don't love him, madame.
Really, I don't.
There were moments when...
...I felt like I did.
If my mother should find out about this.
Cecile.
You're not a little girl anymore.
Yes.
Your mother must never know about this.
But she wants me to marry Monsieur de Gercourt.
So?
You marry Monsieur de Gercourt.
But I love Danceny.
Danceny will be your lover.
You will marry Gercourt...
...and you will keep Danceny as your lover.
Do you understand?
No.
You don't marry your lover.
You don't?
I'm sorry.
I must seem very stupid to you, madame.
No.
You're the first person that...
No one's ever talked to me
about these things before.
I love you, Cecile.
I love you, too, madame.
Did you like what you did
with Monsieur de Valmont?
Then you have nothing to worry about, Cecile.
Good morning, madame.
Where is everybody?
Why is everybody late this morning?
Do you remember me?
Madame de Volanges.
I know.
I've come from Paris.
Why?
I've come to take my daughter home.
You know. Cecile.
She's such a little darling. We all adore her.
Yes?
Cecile!
Maman.
Good morning, ladies.
Madame, what an enchanting surprise.
Marquise.
Mademoiselle, let us see your hands.
Do you call those clean?
Go on. Quickly.
We're all so in love with your daughter.
She's such a treasure.
- You must be very proud.
- I certainly am, monsieur.
I would hesitate
to marry her to a man she didn't love.
- I beg your pardon?
- I think I would be ashamed.
I think I know what is best
for my daughter's happiness, monsieur.
But can't you see that she's
in love with another man?
Are you...
- Are you talking about that harp teacher?
- Yes.
Are you suggesting that
Cecile should marry that boy?
Exactly.
Are you losing your mind?
You can't build a lasting marriage...
...on the fancies of a 15-year-old girl.
Why not?
Look around you.
Look at all the tragedies caused
by this illusion of love.
It's just as tragic when a mother
destroys her daughter's life.
Vicomte, you know nothing
of arranged marriages.
You've never even been married.
Those bonds are often very strong.
And you'd be surprised.
They can often lead to true happiness.
My sweet girl.
If I understand what
these people have been saying...
...you have a dilemma.
- I do?
- Tell me, if it were up to you...
...would you rather marry that Monsieur de...
- Gercourt.
- Exactly. Gercourt.
Or the other one...
...the one with the harp?
I'd do whatever maman wants me to do.
But that's not what my aunt is asking you.
Forget maman.
If you had the choice, who would you pick?
You, yourself.
I guess I would marry Monsieur de Gercourt...
...and keep Monsieur de Danceny for a lover?
And maman will have
a huge scandal on her hands.
So the dilemma is solved.
Let us eat.
Are we not going to wait for Madame de Tourvel?
Madame who? Yes, of course.
Madame de Tourvel.
She went back to Paris this morning.
I don't even know why.
It was all very unexpected...
...and she was in such a state.
I had difficulty going back to sleep
after we said good-bye.
What did he say?
I don't know! I'm deaf in this one.
Don't tell anyone I'm back.
Sleep.
Sleep on.
Let me just stay here and look at you.
Night after night,
I had to close my eyes to see your face.
- Would you rather I was quiet?
- No.
Do you want me to bring you some milk?
A glass of wine?
What do you want? Tell me.
Your horse is in the stable.
Say something.
Anything. I want to hear your voice.
When does your husband come back?
It doesn't matter anymore.
I wrote him a letter while you were sleeping.
I told him everything.
- May I see the letter?
- It's gone. I couldn't wait.
No. Don't move.
I'll prepare something for you.
I'll wait on you.
I want to serve you.
"My dear...
"... I feel so much tenderness toward you...
"... that I cannot bear to face
you when you learn the truth.
"You were right.
"For a few illusory moments,
I thought I could change.
"I know now I cannot.
"I urge you to find another lover...
"... one who is worthy of you...
"... and I thank you for what you have given me."
Vicomte!
I didn't even have a chance to thank you
for the kindness you showed Cecile.
- My pleasure.
- No.
Mine.
Marquise.
You lost your bet.
No.
Yes.
I'm very impressed.
How was it?
Quite wonderful.
Better than Cecile?
Yes.
Better than me?
No one compares to you.
How true.
In fact, I couldn't wait to claim my reward.
- What reward?
- You forgot our bet?
- Valmont, that was just a joke.
- Not for me.
Please!
Would you have locked yourself in
a monastery if you'd lost?
- But I didn't lose.
- But if you did.
If. That's not even a question.
Yes, it is. Imagine that you lost.
- But I won.
- Imagine!
Don't try to change the subject.
And am I something that one wins as a wager?
Yes! Because you accepted it.
I know. You won, but if you did lose...
- But I didn't!
- I know, for God's sake.
What are you going on about? I won,
and I have the right to collect my prize!
Now you sound just like a husband.
Do you want to know why I never remarried?
So that no one could ever claim
they had any rights over me at all.
You are confusing bets and marriages, madame.
One must always honor a bet.
You don't want me?
You had your chance.
Yes?
Thank you, Victoire.
I'm sorry, but you'll have to leave now.
Show me the letter.
- Vicomte.
- Show me that letter.
Certainly.
Here.
Is this a declaration of war?
If you wish.
- Monsieur de Valmont?
- Yes.
I'm Chevalier de Danceny.
Sir, I'm infinitely grateful to you
for getting Cecile's letter to me.
Would you be kind enough to forward my reply?
It's extremely important that
I get an answer as soon as possible.
I'll deliver it myself.
Monsieur de Valmont.
Shall I announce you?
I'll announce myself.
- Who's there?
- Valmont.
He says he wants to die for me.
Sounds as if he loves you.
He's asking me if he should challenge
Monsieur de Gercourt to a duel.
Do you still love him?
Believe me, sir, I've been trying not to love him.
I pray to God all the time to make me forget him.
But since I pray all the time...
...I think about him all the time.
Then you only have one choice.
What?
- We have to write Danceny another letter.
- Yes.
But...
We will only write, won't we, sir?
Yes.
Yes, we'll only write.
Thank you.
I believe that the only way
to prevent this marriage...
...is for us to run away together now.
It is?
Yes, it is.
But the prospect of a life in a foreign country...
...frightens me.
Yes, it does.
- Who is it?
- It's me, my darling.
I have someone with me.
I won't disturb you for long.
Just a minute, maman.
It's lovely of you to do this.
I've discussed
the wedding arrangements with her...
...but I left the final announcement to you,
of course.
Yes, maman.
Mademoiselle.
I hope this small token will please you.
Thank you.
- May I open it?
- Please do.
It's beautiful!
Thank you. Look, maman.
You will be pleased to know that our marriage...
...will be celebrated in the royal chapel,
with the King himself in attendance.
Ladies, this has been a pleasure.
Thank you, my dear.
Did you hear that about the King?
So is this the end of Danceny?
No.
I suppose I should be firm with myself now...
...shouldn't I?
You should.
Where were we?
"But the prospect of a life
in a foreign country frightens me."
On the other hand...
"Madame de Merteuil thinks
that I should marry Gercourt...
"... and keep you as a lover.
"Do you think this is good advice,
and would you accept it?"
What is it?
Thank you, sir.
I couldn't thank you enough.
- Yes?
- Madame, Chevalier de Danceny is calling.
Show him into the salon.
Chevalier.
I was just thinking about you.
We have so much to talk about.
I want to send a letter to Cecile, madame.
By all means.
I'd be happy to help you, sit down.
No, madame. You sit down.
You will write, and I will dictate.
It will be your letter to Cecile.
My letter?
Interesting. We never tried that.
I'm ready.
My dear Cecile.
I must apologize for the advice I gave you.
Young man...
...that's not my style, to apologize.
Keep writing.
If you truly love your Danceny...
...as much as I believe you do...
...then it would be a crime to marry anyone else.
That's good.
That's good, but...
May I ask you a question?
Yes.
How old are you?
I'm 17.
Why do you want to be a husband...
...when you can be a lover?
Keep writing.
Why don't you leave all the boredom
of marriage to Gercourt...
...and keep the excitement of love for yourself?
- Keep writing, I said.
- I will.
But...
Do you really believe yourself
capable of killing me?
What?
Sir, come here quick and look out the window.
I made it very clear that you weren't home,
but look, she's still there.
What do you want me to do?
Why did you come?
What do you think you'll find here?
That you love me.
Do you want me to lie to you?
Yes.
Where is she?
She left.
She woke me up. It was still dark.
- Did she say anything?
- No.
I'm not at home to anyone.
It's Monsieur de Valmont.
Show him into the salon.
You must have a lot of courage, Vicomte...
...to come here after you sent that...
...lunatic harp teacher to kill me.
I apologize for that.
It was a silly thing to do.
I feel awful.
Are you surprised?
You are an awful man.
Do you think a man can change?
Yes.
For the worse.
I think you're as awful as I am.
I am.
That's why we should never be enemies.
We should always be friends...
...good friends.
- More than that.
- Lovers?
Even more.
You're not proposing marriage?
What if I were?
But that's wonderful.
Wonderful.
Tell me.
Which of us
would betray the other first this time?
I'm sorry.
I've missed you so much.
I still love you, you know?
Isn't it lonely when there's no one
to share your secrets with?
Yes, it is.
Would you like to share my latest secret?
Yes.
Come.
I've explained to Monsieur de Danceny...
...that Cecile lost her virginity in your arms...
...but he didn't believe me.
So since you happen to be here...
...would you mind telling him about it yourself?
I want that.
- But the same money...
- No! That!
Yes, sir.
I'm sorry, monsieur. Madame de Volanges...
- What?
- I'm not supposed to let you in, monsieur.
Strict orders.
No.
No, monsieur, seriously.
I could lose my position.
- Who is it?
- It's Valmont.
We're leaving now.
We have to go now, right now.
Nobody must recognize you.
We're traveling together as two men.
You understand?
We're going as two men. In disguise.
And Danceny is already waiting.
He's in the country. It's very far.
- We have to go now, right now.
- No, he's not.
Yes, he is.
No, he's not.
Vicomte.
I thought it was time that Cecile knew the truth.
Monsieur de Valmont,
you will leave this house immediately.
Monsieur de Valmont?
I am Baron de Segur,
and this is Chevalier de Malpoix.
Chevalier de Danceny expects you
at dawn tomorrow at this location.
We are his witnesses.
We count on your discretion.
I'll meet him there.
You!
Yes, you.
And him.
Him!
And him!
Sit!
Sit!
Good boy.
Sir.
Sir, are you sure you feel up to a duel?
Sir.
Gentlemen.
Sir, where are your witnesses?
Monsieur le Duc, will you step up, please?
Monsieur le Baron.
Hurry up. Come on, don't be afraid.
Hurry up.
Sir.
It would be embarrassing
for me to fight you in your condition.
So what do we do, send for our harps?
If you offer me your apology,
I'd gladly forgive you.
My apology?
You want my apology?
After everything I've done for you...
...you will forgive me.
You...
...defend yourself.
Madame.
Madame, can I tell you a secret?
A secret that I haven't told anyone yet.
Yes, my child.
I think I'm pregnant.
I'm quite sure that I am.
Is it...
...Valmont's?
My angel.
My sweet angel.
Cecile, darling.
Cecile, do you remember Madame de Merteuil?
Why, yes, of course.
What a beautiful young lady.
The last time I saw you,
you were just a little girl.
Madame, is it true that I'm getting married?
Who told you that?
Everybody's been talking about it.
I'm not supposed to say anything...
...but yes, it's true.
- To whom?
- I can't say.
- Please, Madame, please.
- I mean, I don't know.
Your mother's been so secretive about it.
But can you try and find out, please?
It's really sweet to see Cecile
so excited about her marriage.
Yes, she's excited, very excited.
- It almost has me worried.
- Why?
She's been at that convent since she was 11.
She's so innocent, so unprepared.
As long as her husband doesn't mind.
On the contrary.
He seems obsessed by her purity, virginity.
Who is he?
It was he who suggested
that she stay at the convent till the wedding.
That's very thoughtful. I like this in a man.
Who is he?
I'd rather not say.
I agreed to let him make the announcement.
I see.
My dear,
I'd love you to spend some time with Cecile.
She could learn so much from you.
I want her to enter this marriage
as innocent as she is...
...and as wise as you are.
You flatter me.
Cecile.
Do you see how I hold my fan?
Yes.
- Vicomte.
- Madame.
Mademoiselle.
Won't you introduce me
to your enchanting friend?
Cecile, if you allow your hand
to be held too long...
...men will take it as an encouragement.
Is this your first opera, mademoiselle?
Should I answer?
If you do answer...
...a man will take it as an invitation.
If you don't,
a gentleman will know he should leave.
So what should I do?
What do you want to do?
Yes, this is my first opera.
- I've never been to one before.
- Do you do any singing yourself?
Monsieur de Valmont,
may I have a word with you, please?
That young lady is the daughter of my cousin...
...Madame de Volanges.
She's about to get married,
and she's under my protection.
So you keep away from her.
How old did you say she was?
Fifteen, you monster.
I just wanted to let you know
that I'm going to leave Paris for a while.
Where are you going?
Do you really want to know?
If you want to tell me.
I'm going to visit my old aunt.
Your old aunt.
My old aunt, yes.
How old is your old aunt?
You know her, Madame de Rosemonde.
Madame de Rosemonde is still alive?
So if you get bored with playing chaperon,
you'll know where to find me.
And if you come, I'll be very happy.
Very happy.
Give my love to Madame de Rosemonde.
Who was that?
Cecile, that man is very bad
for a young lady's reputation.
Your mother shouldn't even know
he was in our box.
Is he your lover?
Cecile...
One doesn't ask questions like that.
Certainly not of a widow.
Widows don't have lovers?
No, they don't.
More.
More?
I want more.
Then...
...you might have to find yourself another lover.
No.
I'm very happy with the one I have.
You're not bored yet?
Unspeakably bored.
When shall I see you again?
Monday?
Monday. I can't.
- Tuesday?
- Tuesday...
I'm afraid not.
Wednesday?
I'll have to let you know.
Are you seeing somebody else?
Of course not.
Good afternoon, Madame.
No, it's A in the right hand, not B-flat.
- Madame!
- No. Don't stop.
This is...
I'm sorry.
- Chevalier de Danceny.
- Yes, Danceny.
He's giving me my music lessons.
- Nervous?
- Madame, feel my heart.
Don't be silly. Everyone will love your singing.
That's not it.
It's my husband, my fiance.
I know he's going to be there.
I know my mother's invited him.
Can you try and find out who he is?
Please?
My dear.
Cecile is so nervous. Poor thing.
She believes that her fiance is here today. Is he?
See? How does she know that? She's so clever.
- I never told her anything.
- Which one is he?
- You'll keep it to yourself?
- Of course.
Come. I'll introduce you, but...
Why is he so secretive?
I think he has a mistress,
and he's having trouble getting rid of her.
I heard she's a little...
I understand.
Monsieur de Gercourt, may I introduce you
to Madame de Merteuil?
You two know one another?
Do we?
If you remember that we do, madame...
...then your memory must be better than mine.
Then I suppose that we don't.
You couldn't have made a better choice, my dear.
"A knight riding through the glade
"Chanced on a pretty maid
"And as the sunlight played
"He wooed the pretty lady
"'Sir, go thy way,' the maiden replied
"'My lord came today to make me his bride
"'There are others, other roses
"'Leave me to my lord and go'
"Now, he did not believe it true
"Swore he would win the maid
"But her lord came and slew
"Both knight and pretty lady
"Friends, though your rose be so fair..."
She's so adorable.
I can't even feel jealous.
I wish you all the happiness in the world.
Thank you.
Lovely.
Is she...
Just resting, sir. Just resting.
- Shall I...
- No.
Let's take it out.
Is it my turn?
Do you remember me?
Of course I remember you.
- Just jog my memory a little.
- I'm Madame de Merteuil.
Of course you are, my dear.
- I just arrived.
- I know you've just arrived.
Where is my table?
Where is everybody?
Sir.
There she is.
Give me a push.
May I invite you for a ride?
No, you may not.
- Why not?
- I can't swim.
Neither can I.
No. My husband, he would
never forgive me if I drowned.
- Where is your husband, madame?
- He's in Rouen.
- You live in Rouen?
- No. We live in Paris.
My husband is a judge
and he has an important case in Rouen.
Do you love your husband, madame?
Yes, I love him very much.
- So why aren't you with him?
- Because I'm visiting your aunt.
Besides, when my husband works on
important cases he prefers to be alone.
- Does he often work on important cases?
- Yes, quite often.
- Then you must be an exceptional woman.
- No, it's...
- Not exceptional. Why?
- To love a husband who's never there.
- Are you married, Monsieur de Valmont?
- No.
I'm in love.
- You're in love.
- Yes.
- Then why aren't you with her?
- I am with her.
I'm talking to her right now.
- You shouldn't have said that.
- Why not? Is it wrong to be in love?
No, as long as the feeling's
mutual and legitimate.
Does that mean you don't love me?
Of course I don't love you.
Don't do that!
Monsieur de Valmont!
Monsieur de Valmont, please!
Don't do that. You frightened me.
What does it matter if I drown?
You don't love me.
Look, sometimes my friends
tell me I'm naive, but...
I'm not so silly that I don't see what you want.
Yes? What do I want?
If you don't stop talking that way,
we can't be friends.
All I want is to be near you...
...and to hear you telling me over and over
again that you don't love me at all.
No.
No, I'm not clever enough to talk to you.
Help!
Help me!
Help me!
Help! Help!
Vicomte.
What happened?
An accident.
So you did come.
Thank you, Azolan. I won't be needing you.
Yes, he will.
Prepare his traveling clothes and pack the rest.
- We're going to Paris.
- Wait.
Wait.
- Why?
- I need you in Paris...
...very much.
You may go.
What is it?
You remember my little cousin
from the opera?
Yes.
- You remember she's getting married?
- Yes.
Guess to whom.
How could I guess?
Monsieur de Gercourt.
Where do I fit in?
You're the only one who can help me.
Do you want me to challenge him to a duel?
Vicomte, for what I have in mind...
...I need you very much alive.
You know, little Cecile...
She reminds me so much of myself
when I was 15.
She's naive, innocent...
...pure.
Yes?
I want you to put an end to it.
I want you to take her virginity.
I want Gercourt to discover
on his wedding night...
...that he didn't get there first.
I want to make him the laughingstock of Paris.
You want me to seduce a little girl...
...who's seen nothing...
...who knows nothing...
...who'll probably flop on her back
out of simple curiosity?
You don't need me for that. Anyone can do that.
But I thought you liked her.
I thought I was doing you a favor.
Besides, I can't go to Paris now.
- Why?
- The air here is so fresh.
And you hear the birds singing.
You never hear the birds in Paris.
Who is she?
May I change the subject, madame?
Change anything you want, my dear.
Do you love your husband?
Yes.
Yes, I love him very much.
Then why are you here?
Why aren't you with him?
I'm afraid the Marquise and I share
the same banal curiosity.
Seems that Madame de Tourvel's husband
prefers to be alone when he works.
Men always say they prefer to be alone,
but I love my husband.
So, I go where he goes.
- Out of love?
- Why else?
Fear, maybe?
Fear? Of what?
- That you might be tempted.
- You mean, I might be tempted.
Shush, my love.
Are you hinting
that I could be unfaithful to my husband?
Not now, but, if you were alone...
Monsieur de Valmont,
you simply don't understand women.
You're right.
If a woman wants a little adventure,
she doesn't need to be alone.
She can manage it perfectly well
right under her husband's nose.
Isn't that true, madame?
That's not at all what I meant, madame.
Monsieur de Valmont,
I know some women might be weak...
...but...
...believe me,
there are women who will always be true.
Nonsense!
A true woman is a contradiction in terms.
Not always.
I believe that some women stay true.
I find them fascinating.
Men usually do.
I've noticed that.
Why is that?
Because men are always
chasing after visions, my dear.
They want us to be angels.
But in bed, they want us to be demons, my dear.
Yes, indeed.
But there always comes that morning surprise...
...when you wake up in the arms
of an ordinary woman.
Do you agree, Vicomte?
I believed that for a long time.
- And you don't anymore?
- No.
It seems to me, Vicomte,
that you believe one thing in Paris...
...and another in the country.
Maybe I believe one thing when I'm in love
and another when I'm not in love.
There's something
I've been wondering about all evening.
If you had your choice of all the ladies present...
...in whose arms would you spend the night?
No. That's not fair to Monsieur de Valmont.
The question is...
...which one of you ladies
would like to spend the night with him?
We all would?
Not me.
Not me.
I don't think the question is worth answering.
I suppose that just leaves me.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Valmont...
You disappoint me.
That's what's keeping you here? Tell me.
Are you really falling in love?
Would that make you jealous?
Not really.
- Why not?
- Because you're wasting your time.
- I don't think so.
- You'll never have her.
What do you want to wager?
Anything you want.
You.
Your body.
And if you lose?
Anything you want.
I want you to...
...shut yourself in a monastery,
anoint yourself with ashes...
...and repent for all your sins.
I accept.
Good night, my little monk.
I'm afraid you'll be very lonely.
Remember me in your prayers sometime.
You know, I keep thinking about
one thing you said at dinner.
I said so many things.
It had to do with your husband's nose.
And I thought you weren't interested.
Where have you been?
I've been looking for you desperately.
- Why? What happened?
- It's horrible.
- It's Cecile.
- What?
Come.
Did I show you the cabinet I gave Cecile?
It's an exquisite piece.
I told her,
"You can lock all your secrets in there."
Do you know what she said?
"Maman, you know it will never be locked."
Isn't that the sweetest thing
a daughter can say to a mother?
Yes.
It's locked.
- I have a duplicate key, of course.
- Of course.
So I looked inside.
Do you know what I found?
Letters. Love letters.
- From...
- From her miserable music teacher.
- That little boy?
- That little snake!
What did you do?
I didn't do anything.
Cecile doesn't even know I've read the letters.
I don't want her to know I have a key.
- Does her fiance know about this?
- Of course not.
Why don't I talk to her
and see what I can find out?
Yes?
Cecile.
Madame! Where have you been?
I've missed you.
How beautiful you look!
Thank you.
We must go to the opera again sometime.
I'd love to. It was so wonderful to see all that.
And those chandeliers and the music.
You should ask your music teacher
to teach you some songs from the opera.
I'll do that.
You happy with your music teacher?
He's a wonderful teacher, and...
Yes?
I can't tell you.
Cecile...
...if we're to be friends...
...we must trust each other completely.
He's been writing me letters.
Has he?
He writes so beautifully, madame.
What does he say?
I don't know, really.
He has all these feelings.
He's sad.
He has longings.
Do you love him, Cecile?
No, I don't.
So, should I answer him?
If you don't love him...
...it would be very wrong to encourage him.
But, madame, I lied.
I lied to you. I do love him. I'm so in love.
I don't want to marry my husband, madame.
He's old, and he's ugly.
I love Danceny.
Please, madame, help me.
I don't know what to do.
Let's write Danceny a letter.
I've already written him one.
May I see it?
You're not telling him
what you want to tell him, Cecile.
Get your pen.
- What do you call him?
- Chevalier.
Dear Chevalier...
Your love gives me the courage
to follow my heart.
I long to meet you somewhere...
...where we can finally be alone.
Our biggest obstacle is my mother.
- So?
- There's nothing to worry about.
Do you think so?
You won't believe
how innocent the whole thing is.
Really?
For example, do you know how
those letters get exchanged?
- How?
- But please...
...Cecile shouldn't know that I told you.
My dear.
They put them in the strings of the harp.
"Pity the fate of a fair young maiden
"Searching the meadows and woods in fear
"Useless for her to expend all her efforts
"Or to flee when a shepherd draws near
"If at night, as she turns to go home
"He who has watched her will then appear
"She must yield to my magical powers
"She cannot hope to keep her flower safe
"No matter how hard she try
"I'm a great wizard, a wizard am I
"I'm a great wizard, a wizard am I"
When you practice, mademoiselle,
you have to watch out for this passage.
It's...
One-two-three.
Your rhythm's quavering a bit.
You have to try and keep it steady.
Your daughter's a wonderful student, madame.
Take the cover off, Emile.
Why, maman?
What is this?
What is this?
I don't know.
It's a letter, madame.
It's a letter I wrote to your daughter.
She doesn't know anything about it.
She's telling the truth.
I'm glad to hear that, at least.
Will you wait for me here, young man?
Come along, Cecile.
Come.
Sit down.
Now tell me the truth.
You knew about the letter, didn't you?
No, I didn't. I swear I didn't know.
- Is this the first letter he wrote to you?
- Yes.
So why are you locking your cabinet?
Is it locked?
Give me the key.
I don't know where it is.
It's hanging round your neck.
I'm sorry, maman.
Forgive me. Please. I'm sorry.
Please, maman, forgive me.
Madame...
Young man, you have abused my hospitality...
...and you have abused
the innocence of my child.
You will never be admitted to this house again.
Here are the letters you had the audacity
to give to my daughter.
I want you to send me the letters
she wrote to you and I want them today.
- You may go.
- But, madame...
I don't want to have to call my footman.
Madame, I just want you to know that
I've never abused your hospitality...
...and I will never give back
the letters Cecile wrote to me.
In them, she opened her heart to me, not to you.
I won't betray her confidence.
Her trust means more to me than all your anger.
Good-bye.
No!
Chevalier!
Do you remember me?
I have a letter for you from Cecile.
My dear Cecile...
...to be alone with you is my greatest desire.
And Madame de Merteuil...
...has devised a plan for us to meet.
She will explain all the details to you.
I'll invite you and your mother to the opera.
But maman has forbidden me
even to leave the house for two weeks.
Precisely.
Which is why you will decline my invitation...
...like a good girl...
...so that your mother suspects nothing.
Do you understand?
Yes.
Then, when your mother and I...
...are just about to leave for the opera...
...I want you to run in and say...
Maman!
Maman, may I come with you?
Please? I promise... Maman.
Let me come with you! Please!
I want to go with you so much!
Please?
My angel, don't think I don't love you,
but you know perfectly well what you did...
...so stop acting like a silly child
and go back to your room.
So, here's your dress.
Let's change first.
Why?
Because you want to look beautiful, don't you?
You want me to change into this?
Madame de Merteuil had it made
especially for you.
Really?
Who lives here?
No one.
Take a sip, mademoiselle.
Madame de Merteuil has such exquisite taste.
But my legs show.
They look nice.
Mademoiselle, you look ravishing!
Mademoiselle, do you realize
that we've never been alone before?
Yes.
Please read it now.
Chevalier, this is a poem.
No. It's a song you know.
I only wrote new words for it.
You stay. Stay.
- What's the matter?
- I can't sit still.
I keep thinking about Cecile.
It just broke my heart to see her so miserable.
I must go home. You stay.
"Love
"If you will come to me
"I will be true to thee
"Two lovers true are we..."
No. You're making the same mistake again.
It's A in the right hand, not B-flat.
Is this a long song, Chevalier?
It's another 12 verses.
So?
What a nincompoop!
"Love
"Flowers bloom in my heart..."
Sorry to interrupt. Cecile has to go.
Cecile, get dressed.
- Why?
- Get dressed.
- Your mother is on her way home.
- My God!
- Don't panic, but we must hurry.
- Madame.
- How much can we trust your maid?
- Madame!
Your mother will question her.
- Yes?
- We want to get married.
- Is this true?
- Yes, it is.
Is it?
I think it is.
Will you help us, please?
Is this any time to discuss marriage?
Cecile!
- Martine!
- Yes, madame?
Where is Cecile?
Cecile?
She's...
...she has...
Where is she?
Have you been at your post all night?
Yes, madame.
- Has anyone come in?
- No, madame.
Martine.
Yes, madame?
Did she go and see that music teacher?
I don't know, madame.
She doesn't talk to me anymore.
She only talks to Madame de Merteuil now.
And she...
She...
Emile.
Maman. Forgive me, please, maman. Please.
I wanted to be with you so much!
My dear, don't be harsh with her.
She's sorry. She's so sorry.
- Maman.
- Cecile.
Of course I forgive you.
Maman! Please, maman. I'm sorry.
Please forgive me. Please!
Maybe...
...I just don't understand her.
Do you think she's ready to be married?
Of course she is.
I even thought...
...of sending her back to the convent.
No.
No.
I would just get her out of Paris for a while.
If you like, I could take her to the country.
It isn't easy to find you.
I have a surprise for you.
Monsieur de Valmont...
...I must talk to you.
- I know a place. Give me your hand.
- No.
No.
Why didn't you ever tell me?
- What?
- That you're such a brilliant archer.
- What are you talking about?
- Come, I'll show you. Give me your hand.
I'm a brilliant archer?
You'll see. Come on.
Azolan.
What are you waiting for?
Good boys.
Here, sir.
- But I've never shot an arrow in my life.
- Put your hand here...
...and your other hand here.
There.
- Ready?
- Yeah.
Now let go.
What a shot!
I knew I was right.
You are a brilliant archer.
Now, if you were to take this coin...
...and throw it in that bush,
what do you suppose would happen?
- May I read you something?
- Yes.
This letter is from a close friend of mine.
"All his life,
Monsieur de Valmont has been and is...
"... a consummate master of the art of seduction.
"Hundreds of women,
and I am not exaggerating, madame...
"... have paid for it.
"He has charmed his countless victims...
"... designing his every gesture,
every word, every smile...
"... in a cold-blooded scheme...
"... that has only one squalid end:
"to destroy the woman's honor."
Is this true?
Who wrote that?
Is it?
Monsieur de Valmont,
don't waste your time on me.
I am not, and I never will be, one of those women.
I know that.
So, why do you keep trying?
I don't even know.
Vicomte.
Can we offer you a ride?
Look who I brought with me.
- You remember my little cousin.
- Good afternoon.
Would you like to join us?
Attaque!
En garde.
Attaque!
En garde.
Attaque.
En garde.
Next.
Next.
- What's your name, young man?
- Chevalier de Danceny.
Good wrist.
I'm glad you want to join my regiment.
I don't, sir.
Next.
Such a pity that he doesn't have any children.
Children just adore my nephew.
I'm not a child!
Of course not. You're a knight defending
the honor of his lady.
Attaque!
Madame?
You've known Monsieur de Valmont
a long time, haven't you?
Yes. A long time.
What kind of man is he?
He's...
If I had a brother,
I'd want him to be just like Valmont.
Do you think a man can change?
How old are you?
22.
May I offer you some advice?
Yes.
I think you should leave this place, madame.
I think you should go and join your husband.
Why do you say that?
Are you in love with Monsieur de Valmont?
No, certainly not.
That's good.
Sorry. I'm sorry.
Because he's in love with you, you know?
I'm dying.
I'm dying. Forgive me my sins. Have mercy!
- I'm dying. Forgive me!
- He's dead! I killed him.
I won!
Good night, my dears.
- Good night.
- Good night.
I don't recognize you. Just look at her.
How can you resist this?
Please don't start that again.
How's it going with the little Tourvel?
Would you like to cancel our bet?
Certainly not.
- Aren't you getting a little too serious?
- What are you talking about?
About love, my angel.
What else?
I have to write a letter to Danceny.
It's all right.
It's all right. You don't have
to keep any secrets from him.
He's our friend.
Would you come and read it after I finish
and tell me if it's all right?
Why don't you ask Monsieur de Valmont?
He knows what men like to hear.
Would you, monsieur?
Of course he will. Now go up, start your letter.
- He'll be right up to help you.
- All right.
You never stop, do you?
All I'm asking is that
you help the poor child to write a letter.
Monsieur de Valmont.
- May I talk to you for a moment, please?
- Of course.
Come in.
- Sit down, please.
- Monsieur de Valmont?
- Yes?
- No, please don't interrupt me.
I would never tell you what to do...
...but...
Please...
Go away.
Please, go away.
I know I should be the one to leave.
I know it's my duty, but I haven't the strength.
I can't go on like this.
When I sit down, you sit next to me.
When I speak, you answer.
I blush in your company, and everybody sees it.
But, when...
When I am alone...
Please, go away. I beg you.
Please.
Please go.
Is that what you want?
Do you want me to say...
...that I don't want you to leave?
I can't say that. I can't!
No!
All right. Let's see what you have.
No.
This is no way to write a love letter.
Take a new sheet.
Dear madame...
Monsieur le Chevalier.
Did I err in giving you my heart?
- "Err" with double "R"?
- Double "R," yes.
Why do I feel...
...now that I'm not with you...
...that I love you...
...even more?
Why am I haunted by your face...
...my every waking minute...
...and every dreaming minute...
...of my nights?
Did I say to stop writing?
No.
So go on.
Ever since I've known you,
I can't think of anyone else.
I know that you love me...
...and I pray your love will last.
If we had another moment alone...
...I know you would take me in your arms...
...and I long to be with you.
I long to be with you.
Are you deaf?
No.
So keep writing.
I long to share...
...all those sweet moments.
Now...
...I only dream of them.
And the longer I'm without you...
...the more vivid my dreams become.
I only hope...
...that you think of me...
...with the same passion that I feel for you.
Do you have a better way to say it?
No.
So?
One day...
...we'll be together...
...and we'll know the joys of love.
And no man...
...no...
...god...
...can prevent this.
I must stop writing now.
I close my eyes...
...and you are here with me.
The castle is quiet...
...and I'm so happy.
I love you.
I love you.
My God. What happened?
Something awful happened, madame.
Something...
What?
I don't even know. It all happened...
Monsieur de Valmont wanted me to write...
...so I was writing that letter.
And?
You know.
Monsieur de Valmont is quite a writer, isn't he?
Believe me, madame.
I kept saying no.
But I kept doing what he wanted me to do.
But I don't love him, madame.
Really, I don't.
There were moments when...
...I felt like I did.
If my mother should find out about this.
Cecile.
You're not a little girl anymore.
Yes.
Your mother must never know about this.
But she wants me to marry Monsieur de Gercourt.
So?
You marry Monsieur de Gercourt.
But I love Danceny.
Danceny will be your lover.
You will marry Gercourt...
...and you will keep Danceny as your lover.
Do you understand?
No.
You don't marry your lover.
You don't?
I'm sorry.
I must seem very stupid to you, madame.
No.
You're the first person that...
No one's ever talked to me
about these things before.
I love you, Cecile.
I love you, too, madame.
Did you like what you did
with Monsieur de Valmont?
Then you have nothing to worry about, Cecile.
Good morning, madame.
Where is everybody?
Why is everybody late this morning?
Do you remember me?
Madame de Volanges.
I know.
I've come from Paris.
Why?
I've come to take my daughter home.
You know. Cecile.
She's such a little darling. We all adore her.
Yes?
Cecile!
Maman.
Good morning, ladies.
Madame, what an enchanting surprise.
Marquise.
Mademoiselle, let us see your hands.
Do you call those clean?
Go on. Quickly.
We're all so in love with your daughter.
She's such a treasure.
- You must be very proud.
- I certainly am, monsieur.
I would hesitate
to marry her to a man she didn't love.
- I beg your pardon?
- I think I would be ashamed.
I think I know what is best
for my daughter's happiness, monsieur.
But can't you see that she's
in love with another man?
Are you...
- Are you talking about that harp teacher?
- Yes.
Are you suggesting that
Cecile should marry that boy?
Exactly.
Are you losing your mind?
You can't build a lasting marriage...
...on the fancies of a 15-year-old girl.
Why not?
Look around you.
Look at all the tragedies caused
by this illusion of love.
It's just as tragic when a mother
destroys her daughter's life.
Vicomte, you know nothing
of arranged marriages.
You've never even been married.
Those bonds are often very strong.
And you'd be surprised.
They can often lead to true happiness.
My sweet girl.
If I understand what
these people have been saying...
...you have a dilemma.
- I do?
- Tell me, if it were up to you...
...would you rather marry that Monsieur de...
- Gercourt.
- Exactly. Gercourt.
Or the other one...
...the one with the harp?
I'd do whatever maman wants me to do.
But that's not what my aunt is asking you.
Forget maman.
If you had the choice, who would you pick?
You, yourself.
I guess I would marry Monsieur de Gercourt...
...and keep Monsieur de Danceny for a lover?
And maman will have
a huge scandal on her hands.
So the dilemma is solved.
Let us eat.
Are we not going to wait for Madame de Tourvel?
Madame who? Yes, of course.
Madame de Tourvel.
She went back to Paris this morning.
I don't even know why.
It was all very unexpected...
...and she was in such a state.
I had difficulty going back to sleep
after we said good-bye.
What did he say?
I don't know! I'm deaf in this one.
Don't tell anyone I'm back.
Sleep.
Sleep on.
Let me just stay here and look at you.
Night after night,
I had to close my eyes to see your face.
- Would you rather I was quiet?
- No.
Do you want me to bring you some milk?
A glass of wine?
What do you want? Tell me.
Your horse is in the stable.
Say something.
Anything. I want to hear your voice.
When does your husband come back?
It doesn't matter anymore.
I wrote him a letter while you were sleeping.
I told him everything.
- May I see the letter?
- It's gone. I couldn't wait.
No. Don't move.
I'll prepare something for you.
I'll wait on you.
I want to serve you.
"My dear...
"... I feel so much tenderness toward you...
"... that I cannot bear to face
you when you learn the truth.
"You were right.
"For a few illusory moments,
I thought I could change.
"I know now I cannot.
"I urge you to find another lover...
"... one who is worthy of you...
"... and I thank you for what you have given me."
Vicomte!
I didn't even have a chance to thank you
for the kindness you showed Cecile.
- My pleasure.
- No.
Mine.
Marquise.
You lost your bet.
No.
Yes.
I'm very impressed.
How was it?
Quite wonderful.
Better than Cecile?
Yes.
Better than me?
No one compares to you.
How true.
In fact, I couldn't wait to claim my reward.
- What reward?
- You forgot our bet?
- Valmont, that was just a joke.
- Not for me.
Please!
Would you have locked yourself in
a monastery if you'd lost?
- But I didn't lose.
- But if you did.
If. That's not even a question.
Yes, it is. Imagine that you lost.
- But I won.
- Imagine!
Don't try to change the subject.
And am I something that one wins as a wager?
Yes! Because you accepted it.
I know. You won, but if you did lose...
- But I didn't!
- I know, for God's sake.
What are you going on about? I won,
and I have the right to collect my prize!
Now you sound just like a husband.
Do you want to know why I never remarried?
So that no one could ever claim
they had any rights over me at all.
You are confusing bets and marriages, madame.
One must always honor a bet.
You don't want me?
You had your chance.
Yes?
Thank you, Victoire.
I'm sorry, but you'll have to leave now.
Show me the letter.
- Vicomte.
- Show me that letter.
Certainly.
Here.
Is this a declaration of war?
If you wish.
- Monsieur de Valmont?
- Yes.
I'm Chevalier de Danceny.
Sir, I'm infinitely grateful to you
for getting Cecile's letter to me.
Would you be kind enough to forward my reply?
It's extremely important that
I get an answer as soon as possible.
I'll deliver it myself.
Monsieur de Valmont.
Shall I announce you?
I'll announce myself.
- Who's there?
- Valmont.
He says he wants to die for me.
Sounds as if he loves you.
He's asking me if he should challenge
Monsieur de Gercourt to a duel.
Do you still love him?
Believe me, sir, I've been trying not to love him.
I pray to God all the time to make me forget him.
But since I pray all the time...
...I think about him all the time.
Then you only have one choice.
What?
- We have to write Danceny another letter.
- Yes.
But...
We will only write, won't we, sir?
Yes.
Yes, we'll only write.
Thank you.
I believe that the only way
to prevent this marriage...
...is for us to run away together now.
It is?
Yes, it is.
But the prospect of a life in a foreign country...
...frightens me.
Yes, it does.
- Who is it?
- It's me, my darling.
I have someone with me.
I won't disturb you for long.
Just a minute, maman.
It's lovely of you to do this.
I've discussed
the wedding arrangements with her...
...but I left the final announcement to you,
of course.
Yes, maman.
Mademoiselle.
I hope this small token will please you.
Thank you.
- May I open it?
- Please do.
It's beautiful!
Thank you. Look, maman.
You will be pleased to know that our marriage...
...will be celebrated in the royal chapel,
with the King himself in attendance.
Ladies, this has been a pleasure.
Thank you, my dear.
Did you hear that about the King?
So is this the end of Danceny?
No.
I suppose I should be firm with myself now...
...shouldn't I?
You should.
Where were we?
"But the prospect of a life
in a foreign country frightens me."
On the other hand...
"Madame de Merteuil thinks
that I should marry Gercourt...
"... and keep you as a lover.
"Do you think this is good advice,
and would you accept it?"
What is it?
Thank you, sir.
I couldn't thank you enough.
- Yes?
- Madame, Chevalier de Danceny is calling.
Show him into the salon.
Chevalier.
I was just thinking about you.
We have so much to talk about.
I want to send a letter to Cecile, madame.
By all means.
I'd be happy to help you, sit down.
No, madame. You sit down.
You will write, and I will dictate.
It will be your letter to Cecile.
My letter?
Interesting. We never tried that.
I'm ready.
My dear Cecile.
I must apologize for the advice I gave you.
Young man...
...that's not my style, to apologize.
Keep writing.
If you truly love your Danceny...
...as much as I believe you do...
...then it would be a crime to marry anyone else.
That's good.
That's good, but...
May I ask you a question?
Yes.
How old are you?
I'm 17.
Why do you want to be a husband...
...when you can be a lover?
Keep writing.
Why don't you leave all the boredom
of marriage to Gercourt...
...and keep the excitement of love for yourself?
- Keep writing, I said.
- I will.
But...
Do you really believe yourself
capable of killing me?
What?
Sir, come here quick and look out the window.
I made it very clear that you weren't home,
but look, she's still there.
What do you want me to do?
Why did you come?
What do you think you'll find here?
That you love me.
Do you want me to lie to you?
Yes.
Where is she?
She left.
She woke me up. It was still dark.
- Did she say anything?
- No.
I'm not at home to anyone.
It's Monsieur de Valmont.
Show him into the salon.
You must have a lot of courage, Vicomte...
...to come here after you sent that...
...lunatic harp teacher to kill me.
I apologize for that.
It was a silly thing to do.
I feel awful.
Are you surprised?
You are an awful man.
Do you think a man can change?
Yes.
For the worse.
I think you're as awful as I am.
I am.
That's why we should never be enemies.
We should always be friends...
...good friends.
- More than that.
- Lovers?
Even more.
You're not proposing marriage?
What if I were?
But that's wonderful.
Wonderful.
Tell me.
Which of us
would betray the other first this time?
I'm sorry.
I've missed you so much.
I still love you, you know?
Isn't it lonely when there's no one
to share your secrets with?
Yes, it is.
Would you like to share my latest secret?
Yes.
Come.
I've explained to Monsieur de Danceny...
...that Cecile lost her virginity in your arms...
...but he didn't believe me.
So since you happen to be here...
...would you mind telling him about it yourself?
I want that.
- But the same money...
- No! That!
Yes, sir.
I'm sorry, monsieur. Madame de Volanges...
- What?
- I'm not supposed to let you in, monsieur.
Strict orders.
No.
No, monsieur, seriously.
I could lose my position.
- Who is it?
- It's Valmont.
We're leaving now.
We have to go now, right now.
Nobody must recognize you.
We're traveling together as two men.
You understand?
We're going as two men. In disguise.
And Danceny is already waiting.
He's in the country. It's very far.
- We have to go now, right now.
- No, he's not.
Yes, he is.
No, he's not.
Vicomte.
I thought it was time that Cecile knew the truth.
Monsieur de Valmont,
you will leave this house immediately.
Monsieur de Valmont?
I am Baron de Segur,
and this is Chevalier de Malpoix.
Chevalier de Danceny expects you
at dawn tomorrow at this location.
We are his witnesses.
We count on your discretion.
I'll meet him there.
You!
Yes, you.
And him.
Him!
And him!
Sit!
Sit!
Good boy.
Sir.
Sir, are you sure you feel up to a duel?
Sir.
Gentlemen.
Sir, where are your witnesses?
Monsieur le Duc, will you step up, please?
Monsieur le Baron.
Hurry up. Come on, don't be afraid.
Hurry up.
Sir.
It would be embarrassing
for me to fight you in your condition.
So what do we do, send for our harps?
If you offer me your apology,
I'd gladly forgive you.
My apology?
You want my apology?
After everything I've done for you...
...you will forgive me.
You...
...defend yourself.
Madame.
Madame, can I tell you a secret?
A secret that I haven't told anyone yet.
Yes, my child.
I think I'm pregnant.
I'm quite sure that I am.
Is it...
...Valmont's?
My angel.
My sweet angel.