How long have you been watching me?
I don't know.
I was willing you to wake up.
It worked.
Stop it. You scare me.
What were you doing?
What do you mean? I was sleeping.
But apart from sleeping?
You're clever enough to wake me up,
but you can't suss out what I'm doing!
Go on. Maybe I do know.
I'm waiting.
If you loved me, you'd know.
If you knew, you wouldn't need to ask.
Talk, or I'll soap you!
It was this hooker who always had sex face-down
with her back to the man
so she wouldn't see who it was.
It was like a private bet: if she looked,
she'd never manage to screw again;
her - whatsit would go dead.
I guess she must have loathed having sex.
It was easier to take without looking.
Go on...
One day she was lying there, face-down,
and she felt this guy riding her for dear life,
like she was his true love.
She knew this must be Mr Right.
So she looked up, and saw this old guy with a white beard.
She was a young, empty-hearted hooker,
and fate had dealt her this old geezer as her true love.
Liar!
You made it up.
You didn't know, so don't call me a liar.
Say you love me.
I'm no crooner.
I'm not asking you to sing it.
Why do you screw only me?
What?
Why do you screw only me?
You should try someone else, to see if you really love me.
An ordeal by fire, see?
Like who?
Someone ugly.
The uglier the better.
Right! I'm off to find him!
You'll see!
Remy!
- Come to fetch me? - Isn't it a half-day?
I was supposed to stay for lunch...
but I'm not hungry. I'll come home.
There may be some food.
I doubt it. Did you talk to Mum this morning?
She was asleep. Probably still is.
Didn't Sugardad come?
Dunno. Where were you last night?
I had a free period so I stayed with Whatsisname.
You're still buddy-buddies?
- He's a bastard. - I don't like him.
Nobody does. Maybe that's why I do. But now I'm through with him.
A marble for your tears.
Thanks, it's pretty.
Thanks, Remy.
What game were you playing?
"Bulldogs"... Don't you know it?
We used to have a game called Torture Kiss.
Want to hear about it?
First, all the boys try to catch a girl and kiss her...
then the girls do it to the boys.
When you get 5 boys all kissing the same girl...
that's the torture!
God, what a mess.
Go on, have it.
We'll share.
"Best before..." It's still OK.
Don't hurl your satchel!
Brat! It's your room - you clean it.
Not a penny in the house.
Didn't Sugardad come?
Dunno. Mum's asleep.
Did you check the drawer?
Yeah, it's empty.
Mum said Sugardad wants to get off with you.
What did she mean - "get off" with you?
She meant get on with me, not off.
What are you doing today?
Marcel's phoning me at 2:00.
Who's Marcel?
A new boy. He's great.
I'm off. I'll be back for supper.
Can you buy some food?
Never mind, I'll get it.
I'll pay on the way out, I swear.
You won't get past me.
You just missed Whatsisname.
I know, I saw him.
- He was after you. - Good luck to him!
He left this for you.
See you after school tomorrow
or else on the island at 5:00.
Something wrong?
The bastard...
So what's new? Are you potty?
What's he done now, then?
He wants me to lay the ugliest guy I can find.
Ignore him.
Just forget it.
No way! I'm going to pick up a real creep.
Look around you. We're spoilt for choice here today.
Let's check them out.
- Seen Chang? - He's downstairs.
I'll be right back.
I didn't think you'd come.
Meet my pesky kid sister, Yu.
You're a pig! I came here to dance, not watch you paint a toilet!
- Is that it? - It's personal.
- Meaning what? - It's my sign - the Rat.
Isn't it cool?
Not bad, but it's a strange place to put it.
While I'm here...
What's my sign?
It goes by year. We're both Rats.
OK for tomorrow?
Sure. I've had an idea. I'll tell you then.
How's the speech?
I'm writing it tonight. Hope it won't take too long.
Where's Whatsisname?
Let's forget him.
Why are you here, then?
To see you, partly.
Why else, though?
Just window-shopping...
You never had to look far...
People change.
Come and see what I've found!
100 francs if you dare!
You're on, kiddo!
Where's that entrance money?
My friend will pay you back.
You know the girl I mean...
she owes me for a bet.
What was the bet?
Just a private thing.
Why the helmet?
I've got a motorbike.
- What's your name? - Edward.
You're Beth, aren't you?
I've seen you around with a blue-eyed guy...
and a Chinese boy, too.
I'm not riding on that. What's the address?
- 25, Circus St. - Right. See you there.
Can you lend me the cab fare? My friend will pay you back.
Doesn't matter.
Edward?
Come and say hello.
Coming, Ma.
Get you something?
No, thanks.
TREASURES OF THE LOUVRE
What's that?
Ancient Egyptian stuff.
Any good?
They're presents. Today's my birthday.
How old are you?
I'm 17. And you?
Same as you.
When was your birthday?
Two months ago... or three.
Are you going to work for IBM?
Right now, I'm going to...
Good afternoon...
Come on, Beth.
Sorry.
- On the bill, OK? - You'll have to settle up one day!
It's the drink that thrills me...
chill me, fill me!
Instant passion... The drink that thrills!
- I'll get it. - I'm out!
You OK?
Yes...
It's a bit loud...
Sugardad didn't come.
Don't worry. He's bound to come tomorrow.
It was Whatsisname. He's called 3...
no, 4 times.
- Going to watch TV? - Aren't you?
I have to work.
Over to you, Beth.
It's all yours.
Open your books at page 494.
I used to believe in all manner of enchantments.
Rimbaud was born with disenchantment.
No one can say what enchanted him...
Was it his constant longing to be enchanted
or just the charm of disenchantment?
We can read his thoughts in that crease on his chin:
his life-long bitterness, his failed quest for enchantment.
That shadow on his face reflects the dark soul of its owner.
I understand, but being unable to express it
except in heathen words, I prefer to be silent.
Invoke horror and find beauty...
Disenchantment's master-singer...
with tense jaw, faraway eyes, reasons to go away.
He gave up writing, but remained a poet.
His love of gold and sunshine still made him a poet.
He needed no pen.
Rimbaud existed as a poet. He ran guns as a poet.
Some people think the photo of him in Abyssinia is a let-down.
They're right, it is.
It's of a bored explorer...
a savage at his savagest... freedom in Hell.
The silent man, the penless poet; the envoy of darkness.
To wonder why he went away is like asking:
Why are you strange? Why are you a stranger to everything?
All I'm saying is, if you get so carried away
you'll lose marks in the exam.
Rimbaud or no Rimbaud, I know what I'm talking about.
The choice is yours.
We'll get the usual turgid questions, anyhow.
Just be careful.
Boy, he's in a lousy mood! What are you going to do?
He wants to see me later.
Will you go?
I haven't decided. His bark's often worse than his bite.
You'd better go and talk it out. But be careful!
What's for lunch at your place?
Nothing special. Just Hui Goo Roo.
- What's that? - You'll see, it beats beef stew.
- I never eat beef stew. - Nor do I.
Perish the thought!
Be careful when you see Whatsisname.
Better make the date or he'll give you hell.
Here's our bus!
It smells like a rabbit hutch!
So? Let's eat.
What did you say?
I just told them to clear the table.
You take seat, I bring good chow now!
- Hope you're hungry. - I'll tell you when I see it.
Coming chop-chop, Missie Beth!
Any feedback on your speech?
Just some advice.
Friendly advice?
More or less. How did you like it, anyway?
I liked it. Parts were over my head.
I don't believe you!
What on earth is that?
This is the original Hui Goo Roo:
pork, bamboo shoots, celery, soy sauce, noodles.
Oh Chang, I loathe pork!
It's Chinese pork - no relation!
Eat it up!
Hey, Beth... what's wrong? Are you feeling sick?
If I knew what I felt, I'd die.
Can't you ignore it?
It's too fresh in my mind.
Could you do a stencil of him?
I'd need a photo to copy. Why?
I'd love to spray his portrait on the wall, at his place
where he can't miss it...
with a nice big insult.
He'll know I did it! He'll kill me!
He'll blame me - or he'll try!
Can't you just make a clean break? Will you keep that date?
I suppose so...
Look, I ate it all without even thinking!
- Want some more? - It was plenty.
Right: dessert.
Treasure Cake: sticky rice, dates, glazed cherries...
Velly, velly good!
Ah, Beth.
Say hello to Sugardad?
So your lips are still sealed.
I've heard you're very chatty when it suits you...
or so I've heard.
Beth...
what a mystery girl you are.
Your mother's poorly.
I left her a message for you - the usual one.
Forgive me.
If you won't talk, at least listen.
Been back long?
Not long. I'm just fixing a snack.
You saw Sugardad, didn't you?
Yes.
Don't accept his money!
Why? What's wrong with his money?
- Coming out with me? - Where to?
A date with Whatsisname.
Hardly my idea of fun...
Come on. Just for the walk...
and to keep me company.
Maybe he'll even buy us an ice-cream.
- Call this a walk? - I'm late.
I thought you'd split up?
I've come to tell him.
- You're late! - You know I don't wear a watch.
- I was waiting at your school. - I know.
- How come? - I saw you.
You saw me, so you split?
She's my sister.
Really? What's her name?
So how old is Beth?
She's 17.
My name's Remy, and I'm 8 years old.
Good for you. My name's Alphonse.
My age is my secret.
Why?
It's like this, see...
My future's over.
Can I have some money for an ice-cream?
You're nuts!
He was really ugly and he took me home. I can prove it!
Stop it! Let me go!
Scene's getting heavy.
It's meant to.
Why waste it...?
Asshole! Hitting young girls!
Piss off, punk!
Take it easy!
Who's he? A pal of yours?
I'll get even!
He hurt me, the slob.
The bruises will look cute.
That was fun!
Well... Thank you.
Yes, well... let's see, now. I'd say your name was... Beth?
And you're... 16? No... 17 years old.
I told him.
- So, what's your name? - Alphonse.
You make a useful team!
You can thank me by coming to see me some day.
Just stop by, I'm usually at home.
All right. Where?
I've an old card somewhere...
Still at it?
No sweat, this is only for next week.
Would you have picked Man or Woman?
Did you have to choose?
No, I asked Teacher which she wanted. She said we could do either.
Would your Woman be different?
I'd have given her long hair.
Did the Woman get many takers?
I doubt it. So, which would you pick: Man or Woman?
Man, I suppose. Yes... Man, definitely.
You see?
It's tiny!
There's no need to draw it in.
I can if I want to.
I don't know. I wouldn't, if I were you.
Honestly!
Have you seen lots of big ones?
A few, now and then...
OK, now go and say goodnight to Mummy.
It's still early.
Don't make me cross.
You want to go out...
Yes, so be nice: please say goodnight to Mum and go to bed.
Ah! That's more like it.
Mum wants you.
I'll come and see you later.
What is it?
I have something to tell you.
Can't you guess?
Do I have to say it?
Actually, it's more like a favour to ask.
Sugardad came today,
but all he gave me
was a message for you.
I know. I met him on the stairs.
What did he say?
That you had a message for me, that's all.
He wants you to fetch the next cheque.
He wants to give it to you...
at his place.
When?
Tomorrow.
He's expecting you.
I've done worse things to help you.
The housework needs doing.
You're no longer a child.
And what are you no longer?
Shall I put the light out?
Not yet... later.
I can still lift my arm. Run along, now.
This is no Joke.
It's not meant to be.
It's a favour I'm asking.
- He'll murder me. - No, he won't.
Got a dictionary?
How do you spell "bastard"?
BASTARD... only applies to men.
His light's off. He must be out.
- What if he comes? - Don't worry.
We gotta work fast.
- Let's split! - Give me that!
B-A-S-T-A-R...
- Come on! - Let me finish!
- Let's go! - He'll see us!
Ready... steady... Go!
Did you set that up?
I'm not that twisted.
Count me out in the future.
I always count on you!
He'll come and find us.
Can you put me up tonight?
You know I can't.
Never mind, I'll manage. Are you walking home?
- Yeah.. I'm broke... - Me too.
How can we toss without a coin?
I'm clean broke.
Maybe this will work instead.
Heads is the side with writing on.
If it's heads, you watch me go.
Heads!
Wait till I'm out of sight.
Well! It's late, but I didn't expect you so soon.
May I come in?
What's that muck on your hands?
Is there a sink?
How did he get you so upset?
Nobody else would understand.
I might. Try me.
I'm still not telling.
Your "revenge" sounds a bit childlike.
Well? I am a child.
After a fashion. Child-ish is more what I meant.
Like a little kid peeing out of the window.
True revenge needs planning...
and more imagination than writing a novel!
"Vengeance is sweet"...?
Exactly. The longer you wait, the sweeter it is.
You have to distil passion into an idea... an obsession.
I got what I wanted: the look on his face
when he saw it. I'll settle for that.
You're settling for chickenfeed. That wasn't... It.
I suppose not.
What's she called?
It's a he. His name's Kreutzer.
He won't come.
He loves me.
What does It mean?
It's a long story.
If I didn't know better, I'd say you were an only child.
They always want everything, immediately.
I'm an only woman, not a child.
I'd say a child, but it's hard to judge.
I'll be one man's only woman!
Loving one person all your life...
That's like saying a single candle can go on burning
for a lifetime.
It lasts a month, maybe a year...
but it always ends in boredom, or even... in disgust.
There has to be another way!
You think a couple has to go to bed...
I mean, dirty stuff.
"Another way"! I love it!
There is no other way, apart from "dirty stuff"!
King of the Animals...
that's us - only animals do it to procreate, not just for kicks.
Diseases put the score straight, luckily.
If nobody had sex we'd be extinct!
Why should we go on reproducing?
- To exist... - Exist? What for?
- To live... - Live for what?
If the only purpose
is to live for its own sake, why bother living?
Once the purpose is achieved, it's obvious...
Life has to stop.
So what is the point of living? To reproduce all day like rabbits,
or fart around having fun all day, like monkeys?
That's not much of an ideal to live for.
It's squalid...
that's what it is.
The human race must die.
It's obvious. Me, you, the human race - all of us must die.
Meanwhile, the two-backed beast is the enemy.
Two-backed beast...?
Come here, I'll show you.
Something like that.
You know "bell-ringers"?
That's a new one on me.
It's easy, you'll like it.
We both stand back-to-back...
Now you lift me... and I lift you.
See? Bell-ringers!
What would you've done if I hadn't scared him off?
Dunno. I suppose he'd have done me over.
He was well on the way.
Can I see your knife?
Do you collect them?
They're different because they date from different occasions.
- Do you want one? - Can I?
Here, take this one.
You can carry it legally; it's too short to pierce the heart.
I want one that can pierce the heart.
See how fussy you are? Didn't I tell you?
Here: the next size up. That'll get you to the heart.
Thanks. Are you sure you won't miss it?
What I give away, no one can take away from me...
so it stays mine forever.
Do you always think like that?
Yes. Always cock-eyed, as you'll have noticed...
but I throw knives straight.
Really? Let's see you throw one.
No wonder Whatsisname ran away from you!
Let's see how gutsy you are.
Go and stand over there by the knife.
Some other time.
Are you dozing off?
No, I'm watching you.
How's it going?
Not bad...
not too bad.
What are you writing?
The last sentence?
For instance.
"The urge of desire is a dirge without a lyre."
Did you really just write it?
Yes.
Don't you like it?
Yes I do. It's ...
it's poetic.
What do you mean, poetic?
I'm too sleepy to go into that now.
All right. Do you know any poems by heart?
I mean by heart...
Not a school poem that you forget after a month.
By heart - for life?
You could say that.
Let's hear it.
No.
That's mean. I gave you a present, didn't I?
You owe me one.
I don't feel like it.
Why not?
Let's say I don't want to spoil it.
Go on... It'll be wonderful.
If you please.
I don't please.
All right.
Have it your way. I'm off.
Recite it, or I'm leaving.
Feel free. I like it here.
Make yourself at home.
The fibber!
He's really gone...
What are you up to?
Did you hear me?
No.
You can't have seen me...
I have eyes in the back of my head.
Do I get to hear the poem?
I'm leaving.
All right, then... but with my back to you.
You touch the drum; all notes spring out, new harmony begins;
You take one step; new men arise in marching order.
Your head turns away; the new love!
Your head turns back; the new love!
"Change our lot, banish plague, banish Time!" the children sing.
"Bring our fortunes and wishes to life, anywhere!" they beg you.
You come from always, go everywhere.
You'd kept it to yourself!
What did you go out for?
Looking for cigarettes.
Did you find some?
Everyone's asleep. It'll do me good to go without.
Another trial of abstinence!
Did you have a good snoop?
Did you see me?
My walls have eyes; like the back of your pretty head.
Don't worry, I'd have done the same.
You want the world to end because of her?
You try to end yourself;
then try to end the world.
And then?
Then, I don't know what.
Do you?
I'll be gone when you wake up. Lock up after you.
See you at 10 p.m. on the island, if you like.
We can grab a bite to eat
and see about afterwards.
That's nice. You're just in time for lunch.
Suddenly my home seems lovely.
I hope you're hungry.
I was forgetting. Your lips are sealed...
for me, anyway.
Silence is Golden, isn't it.
Come, Beth.
Take a seat.
Do as you wish.
You'll speak up one day - and not to insult me.
No, not to insult me.
Really not hungry?
Thank you. Waste always whets my appetite.
Words aren't everything.
A person's face speaks even louder; I can read you
like a book.
God knows, it's easy.
I've heard so many voices, seen so many looks...
fondled so many bodies...
Your mother's ill. There's nothing we can do.
She's in pain.
There's no magic cure.
Pain is magic. Bad magic, but magic all the same.
Remy says you want to take a long trip.
At least he talks to me.
He treats a gift-horse right.
But your looks tell me more than his words.
I saw the Rimbaud in your room.
One does not leave... He wrote that.
I've given up leaving.
It's too easy. Staying's much harder.
The real heroes stay behind.
If you go, I probably shan't see you for a long time.
Ah, well. Great minds always find a way to keep in touch...
and if we never meet again, what could be more beautiful?
You're right. One should only eat strawberries in April,
when they're scarce.
I hate all that.
Planes, trains, telephones...
They destroy absence.
And where is love, without absence?
I may sound heartless...
but deep down, there's a core of coldness in every thought.
It goes by the name of heartlessness.
Now that you're here, you wish you could leave...
But you're not going to.
Leave it, Beth! Someone comes in to do that.
Show me your hands.
Stop using Ajax as hand-cream, or you'll end up with paws!
You should frame it and use it as a fire-guard.
Stand over there.
You have so many different ways
of being beautiful.
After this one, we'll just let it ring.
An utterance at last.
It's a lot.
Too much, you think?
Why?
Danger.
I'm leaving.
And your exams?
I'll take them and pass them.
Then I'm leaving.
And I want half of that. I'm going to need it.
Don't be stupid.
Take what you want.
Don't be silly, Beth.
What about Remy?
He's invited me...
- Who has? - Marcel.
...to stay for the holidays.
You realize?
You'll be on your own.
You'll get moving.
You just have to get moving.
Subtitles by Nigel Palmer
Subtitling by TVS - TITRA FILM