I had a nightmare.
I wanted to swim to the rocks behind the house.
It's just a few miles.
I started drowning.
It's bad for me to sleep. It's always the same dreams.
It's better if I don't.
We have to go back to Paris.
I can't, I swear. I'm not ready.
What will I do in Paris?
I don't know. Start living again.
Listen, Alice... I need to stay here alone.
All alone.
- I can't let you. - Why not?
You're not well.
That's why.
We have to break up. It'll be better.
I'm starting to hate you.
It doesn't matter.
I don't care.
Excuse me.
I thought you were swimming.
It'll get bigger than my dick.
It'll be retarded...
with a father like me.
It's the reason you've changed.
Ever since Grenada...
I should have kept quiet.
Show me.
I'm sure Benjamin will agree.
You saw the figures...
A 300,000-franc deficit.
I'm not the real boss here.
He blocks my every move. He won't invest in anything.
You'll screw up.
Trust me, for once. Just give me three months.
We'll go bankrupt by then. What did the supermarket offer?
They want the land. They'll tear everything down.
Let me save the factory.
What a load of crap.
Fuck off! You have your job at City Hall.
I'm the only one who works here.
It's the results that count.
Don't blame me if you're a loser.
It's over. I'm ready for welfare.
He's fucking strong.
You started this all.
I started nothing.
When I let you choose, I'm a weakling.
When I give you orders, I'm a tyrant.
You went to university. Tell me what to do.
Assume your responsibilities.
You're the father, not me.
Why don't you ever say anything?
You have no opinions.
20 years old. Imagine!
Imagine what? It's the same me.
I hate birthdays. They're stupid.
You never enjoyed celebrating anything.
Why celebrate birthdays?
Like New Year and Christmas. Crap.
It's the crucial moments in life that should be celebrated.
You realize they're crucial years later!
Except when you fall in love.
I'm tired.
Open that. We'll make a toast.
To your future.
My future? Forget business school.
I'm scared to tell him. School's not my thing.
Don't worry. He knows.
Isn't there something you like?
I don't know... a line of work?
Honestly, no. The harder I think, the less I know.
For ten years, I've tried making Victor happy.
I haven't been able to.
I've let him down.
I have to find myself now.
Who can that be?
- Hi, Mom. - Benjamin?
You should have called!
I promised Martin. Happy birthday, kid!
I have a present.
You'll think of me every morning. It's cologne.
Have you eaten?
A sandwich in the train.
What's the program? I'm leaving tomorrow.
Come on, sing!
Can you make less noise? I feel like crap.
You want earplugs?
Whenever you come here, it's to provoke me.
It's systematic and boring.
Next time, save yourself the trip.
He's a brick wall.
A brick wall.
Don't say that. He's suffering.
He makes all of us suffer. That's all we do here.
Suffer.
I'm happy and fulfilled.
It pisses him off.
Let's take a ride on your motorcycle.
Now?
Not a good idea. I'm drunk.
What a fun night.
Why don't you stay tomorrow?
Come on, you saw how he greets me.
It's the same every time.
Anyway, I'm glad you came. Thanks.
Yeah, let's keep drinking.
"I, curtailed of this fair proportion,
"cheated of feature by dissembling nature,
"deformed, unfinished,
"sent before my time into this breathing world half made up,
"so lamely and unfashionable that dogs bark at me
"as I halt by them -
"I, in this time of peace,
"have no delight to pass away the time
"unless to spy my shadow in the sun
"and descant on mine own deformity.
"Since I cannot prove a lover to entertain these fair days,
"I am determined to be a villain
"and hate the idle pleasures of these days."
Was I a ham? Tell me! You didn't like it?
No, I'm just surprised you chose that role.
You don't look like a monster.
The main thing is understanding what he feels.
I was made to feel like a black sheep
and I finally became one.
That's why we're close. Bastard and faggot.
Come to Paris. You can't stay here. What's keeping you?
What'll I do there?
Live your life. You're paralyzed here.
You're expecting a sign from Victor that won't ever come. Leave!
It must be for you.
You'll wake them up!
No, it's not Martin. You don't recognize my voice?
Why are you at the factory?
Why should I tell Victor?
It was Francois. He hung up.
Francois? What did he say?
He wants Victor at the factory.
Now?
Why are all the lights on? He's crazy!
The Gospel
according to Saint John.
Six days before Passover
Jesus said unto his disciples:
A corn of wheat fall and die not,
it abideth alone.
But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
He that loveth his life shall lose it.
Why are you back here?
I'm not part of the family.
Get out of here, or you'll get swallowed alive.
Will you take me to the station?
You're not staying?
- Did I drive too fast? - Forget it.
You deal with it so well.
Francois wasn't my brother.
Do you have a Kleenex?
I hate them. If I'd stayed here, I'd be dead too.
- I need coffee. - No time.
It's a bad idea anyway. I need to relax.
Why do you hate them?
When I told Victor I wanted to be an actor,
he asked if I'd use a stage name or keep his.
Can you imagine?
That's all he said.
I said his name was mine
and I could even turn tricks with it.
For ten years he wouldn't see you.
For the next ten,
you were his prisoner.
- Why do you say that? - It's true.
So handsome! Still a virgin?
Cut it out!
- Use my cologne! - Next time.
In Paris.
Your train's about to leave.
My helmet!
A beer.
A beer for Mr. Sauvagnac!
What are you up to?
Busy at school. They put me in a business school.
We had such fun!
I thought you were in Paris.
I left. No work.
With the rugby team here, they need taxis.
You see your mom?
Once a week. And we talk a lot.
I hear she's doing well.
Everyone gossiped here. Moving was a good idea.
You never saw her again?
I tried, but it didn't work.
She'll never find a guy.
Your dad fucked her up.
What do you mean?
He promised he'd marry her. He got other women pregnant too.
She forced him to give you his name. He resisted.
"Legitimate." It was her big thing.
She was obsessed with it.
I never understood why she insisted I go there.
She was thinking of your future. Good job, good schools...
She suffered. She never let you know.
You understand.
Why did he take me in?
I never understood that either.
I thought he was interested in me, but not at all.
He's always been cold, closed up.
- Like a judge. - Claro, as your mother says.
He judges everyone and finds them stupid.
You're there to piss off his other sons.
That's all there is to it.
It's weird. I can't explain it...
He forces me to talk when he knows I can't.
He tries to trap me.
He tries to humiliate me.
You understand?
You're already up?
What are you doing?
I'm going. I've had enough of you.
What's wrong?
Where are you going?
- Answer. - I'll do what I want.
Stay here. Put down your bag.
Why are you leaving?
Talk, you dumb shit!
That's not a crime. It's an accident.
It wasn't an accident.
I wanted to kill him.
I really wanted to.
And so I did.
What's so sad is I don't know why I did it.
I really don't know why.
Sometimes I think it didn't happen.
Then I realize it did.
I did it.
At first, I was happy with you.
I stopped thinking about it.
But now it's all I can think of.
I can't make love anymore.
I can't get hard.
Now let's deal with stupid, concrete things.
The rest can wait.
First, let's go back.
We have no money. And as for the ticket...
I ripped it up.
We'll manage.
Come back!
It's just outside Paris. It's nice and quiet.
What does the doctor say?
Martin's exhausted. A nervous breakdown.
I can't even call him.
Locking people up that way!
Martin wanted it.
Why?
He was suicidal.
They say it's a good sign he sought shelter.
Is that all? What are you hiding?
I don't know much. I know he's sedated...
and that he keeps quiet.
They'll make a vegetable of him.
Don't lose hope.
It just takes time.
Thank you for coming.
I'm happy to have met you.
He wrote to me about you.
Did he write often?
He sent post cards.
Certain things happened that are gnawing away at him.
I'll go see Lucie Sauvagnac.
Her!
Did you call?
I tried. She won't take my calls.
Does the train go there?
There's a bus.
You can't go yet. We'll have a nice dinner.
You can spend the night.
You can visit the old bitch tomorrow.
You like my scissors? They're original.
Have a seat.
I have lots of old ladies. Color jobs.
It's easy.
Your roots are oily.
Not a good sign. Seborrhea today, bald tomorrow.
You want a shampoo?
Maybe some other time.
Don't make a fuss. We have plenty of time.
Just a shampoo.
Relax. I'll massage your scalp.
It's good for stress.
- I'm glad we ate out. - The end of summer...
Make the most of it.
I'm totally plastered.
Me too. It feels great.
If I'd lived in Paris, I'd have danced every night.
We never regret our follies.
Don't you agree?
Yes. I look sensible, but you don't know me.
I'm starting to.
You know,
Victor and I were happy together.
We paid for it dearly, both him and me.
I was alone when I had Martin.
He was born three months early. He was tiny.
The doctors were very worried. I hit rock bottom.
But the simple fact that he was alive was a miracle.
I decided to celebrate.
And now at my age, I still know how to enjoy life.
Who cares what people say?
I work hard all week. Saturday night, I have fun.
Just like the girls who work for me.
Go out. It's Saturday.
- I can't leave you alone. - Go have fun!
- I won't leave you. - I'm tired.
Really?
Maybe I will. Otherwise, I'll be sorry all week.
You'll knock them dead!
Don't tease me.
I'm not. But the necklace is a bit too much.
You're right.
I have to be careful. I love jewelry.
I'm sorry to ask, but am I unfit to be mother?
Not at all. Why lock yourself up like a nun?
You know, I think about Martin a lot.
I know.
I was scared you'd think ill of me.
No, I have a lot of respect for you.
Thanks again for coming.
I got lipstick on you.
As for your hair,
I haven't figured it out yet.
You called twice. Mrs. Sauvagnac won't see you.
Please stop ringing the bell.
I have to see her.
Stop insisting.
What do you want Grandma for?
- Where do you live? - Paris.
Passing through?
Yeah, but not for long.
Go see my dad at City Hall. He's more fun.
She never goes out?
Never. Except to see my uncle and grandfather at the cemetery.
She doesn't stay long, but it's a nice walk.
Dad wishes she wouldn't, but she goes by foot.
What time does she go?
Around 6 in the summer, when it's less hot.
Christophe?
Hide, it's my mom!
Don't stay there.
I'm having fun.
Having fun doing what?
Counting cars.
It'll interest Dad for his statistics.
Enough. You're making me angry.
I have snails for Grandma.
We can't eat snails every day!
I'd like to see
- Frederic Sauvagnac. - Concerning?
It's personal.
He's in a meeting. Afterwards...
he has appointments until noon.
It's not a good day.
I asked for
the unemployment figures in the region.
Can I see them?
Hello.
I've heard a lot about you.
I don't have much time.
Can we go somewhere else?
As you can see, I'm in a meeting with my team.
Go on, I have nothing to hide.
I need to see your mother about Martin.
The family doesn't have a very high opinion of Martin.
He skipped his father's funeral. He no longer exists for us.
He's very sick.
I heard he's in an asylum.
What a way to end up.
It's not the end. He'll be fine.
I sincerely hope so.
Change the free enterprise stuff. We need concrete examples.
The postal service?
Come with me.
You're not in Paris.
We all know each other here.
And we notice strangers.
I'm running for Congress.
I'm very busy. I can't deal with someone
who's harassing my mother.
If it's the will that interests you,
feel free to see our lawyer, on my behalf.
He'll explain. It's not my job.
As for the rest, please respect our privacy.
Martin's mental health
no longer concerns my mother. Leave her alone.
If you keep violating her privacy, I'll lodge a complaint.
Are you staying tonight?
I haven't decided yet.
There's no rush. We're never full.
So you know our mayor? I hear you saw him today.
He's busy.
It's normal. He has to hurry. Elections are next month.
Hello, Mrs. Sauvagnac. What would you like?
Nothing, thank you.
I've come to see this young woman.
I have nothing to say to you. Speak.
Can we take a walk?
If you like...
Martin wrote you a letter.
You never answered.
That's right. I ripped it up without reading it.
He's written you again. I decided to bring it myself.
He should have brought it himself.
I had no choice.
You've gone to a lot of trouble, for nothing.
It was worth it. You're here.
You bothered my son at work.
I don't want you to do it again.
Give it to me. Let's get this over with.
You won't read it. Forget it.
Make up your mind.
I need my reading glasses.
I'll read it to you.
"Mrs. Sauvagnac,
"today the psychiatrist said I was better.
"He doesn't know what I'm suffering from.
"A murderer needs a judge, not pills.
"I am asking to be judged.
"All alone, I'd die.
"Alice gives me the strength to fight.
"I've decided to turn myself in. It's the only way.
"I need your help. You were the only witness.
"Fear of scandal kept you quiet. Now the truth must be told.
"Please write back. Martin."
They need water. The heat makes them wilt.
Maybe I should read it again.
Don't bother. My eyes are going, not my ears.
- I heard it. - What do you think?
What's to think? He wants to be judged.
Do you believe in the law? I don't.
The dead remain with us.
Victor wouldn't want his name sullied.
If the dead were silent,
Martin would be living peacefully.
His father's memory is tormenting him.
What can we do?
It's between them. You and I are helpless.
Let them work it out.
Victor adored Martin. Martin realized it too late.
Do you think a judge can decide? Ridiculous!
There's no law for this.
So Martin should join his father and work it out?
Your son Frederic doesn't know, does he?
No. I am a woman who keeps her secrets.
Damn bug!
Cemeteries are full of animals, especially underground.
I like tending to the tombs.
They need care, like houses.
You only love the dead.
Someone has to love them.
Five in a row is my record.
I was totally wasted!
I came down because I couldn't sleep upstairs.
Why don't you come to my place?
It's in the country. It's quiet.
I'm not after sex. It's so you won't wait up.
I don't mind waiting. I have nothing else to do.
So you're a big fan of our cemetery.
I love tombstones.
I can stare at them all day.
I'm sorry.
Sorry about before.
I couldn't wake up. I'm hung over.
I can't dive, but I love watching.
The owner said you were here.
I've been waiting.
Do you like it here?
It's one of my brother's projects.
It keeps his constituents happy.
It's strange that you came.
What a nerve! What's strange is that you're here.
Are you visiting the area?
You leave Martin in the hospital
to come here and bother my family.
They told you?
Good guess!
I couldn't tell you. I mean it...
Now I know. That's what secrets are for.
Mom told Frederic and he told me.
What did they tell you?
They talked about this.
I searched your room.
It's all underway now.
You win. Mom is testifying.
The truth is out. It'll make the papers.
A titillating courtroom drama.
Transparency is Frederic's policy. He has no choice.
The law is the law.
Where are you going?
I'm taking the plunge.
Don't be stupid.
Is that better?
Not really.
I'm going back.
No way.
You drop your bomb and run away... It's too easy.
What can I do?
My mother wants to see you.
What are you thinking about?
My father.
Hands up!
Piss off.
Grandma's asleep. Hands up!
Beat it!
I hate kids. They're all brats!
Fuck off, faggot!
I'll get you!
I'll bash your head in!
Benjamin's a bigger baby than Christophe.
There's no stopping them. Once they broke my china.
Come in.
I have something for you.
Come on! Attack that asshole!
Martin left all this.
I haven't touched a thing. It's his.
Do as you please with these photographs.
My flowers!
Too cool! Now I have to pee.
Stay for dinner.
I can't.
I have to go back. I have rehearsals.
I missed today's.
A real role in a real play!
This time, I'll come. You haven't eaten.
- I'm not hungry. - Just a sandwich.
Let's get going.
Ham or chicken?
Do you have cheese?
Swiss?
With butter.
You said she gave you pictures.
Show them to me.
I'll keep them. They're mine.
Why are you staring at me?
I couldn't tell you before.
I was a coward.
Get out of here.
Did you hear me?
You knew it and kept quiet.
You told them first. I'm his mother.
You're a piece of shit!
You want a beer?
That's better.
I did what I had to.
I'm closer to Martin. Now I know what I'm carrying inside me.
Are you keeping it?
Yes.
Mr. Sauvagnac!
Don't stay out in the rain.
Come back to your room.
When did you get back?
I've been phoning for days. You weren't taking any calls.
That's not it.
I'm no good on the phone.
It's done. I went there.
I did what you said to do.
Good. Thanks a lot.
What did they say? What did they decide?
Nothing. They're waiting.
For what?
For you to show up.
They won't turn you in.
You can still change your mind.
I saw a lawyer. He'll defend you if you insist on...
turning yourself in.
You can't stay here.
Go tell your doctor you want to leave.
He won't let me.
You committed yourself. They can't keep you.
You can sign a discharge.
I found a place.
It needs a paint job. It'll be vacant next month.
In the meantime, we can stay at a hotel.
I know a cheap one.
I'm sure we'll find a solution.
We're accountable to no one.
We need to find the courage to be happy.
I've thought it over. I'll tell you what I decided.
I love you, despite what you did.
The only thing I want is to be with you.
I am Jean-Louis Peignot, the examining magistrate.
You are appearing before me to be charged.
You are accused of the murder of Victor Sauvagnac,
with the aggravating circumstance that the victim was a relative,
that is, your father.
Pursuant to article 221 .4 of the penal code,
this is a triable offence.
Do you have anything to say?
I came to be judged.
If I could have judged myself, I wouldn't be here.
Take note.
We've taken your statement.
You realize the consequences of this confession.
Turning yourself in
is a mitigating circumstance in a court of law.
I shall now bring in the prosecutor
who has asked for your detention.
After his argument, your lawyer will present your side.
Would you like to add anything?
Yes. I'm responsible for what I did.
If I weren't, I'd be insane.
I'm not crazy, your Honor. I'm not crazy.
Dear Alice, I'm glad you write me every day.
I hope you're managing to make ends meet.
I said no to the flu.
The epidemic here is almost finished.
Send me a sweat suit. I got the socks and sweater.
My lawyer says I can have visits starting next week.
I'll see your big belly.
I'm off the tranquilizers. Things seem in order now.
The verdict doesn't scare me, whether it's harsh or indulgent.
All I have is you and that's enough to fill my life.
Subtitles: Andrew Litvack
Processed by C.M.C.