Ow!
950 grams. Nice and juicy.
That's a shoulder piece, isn't it?
The Kube brothers get what they always get. Tell me about it.
How much do we owe you?
Two sacks.
Oh, it's Mr. Interligator.
- How's the wife? - Not good.
Roger, your scarf.
- I've got my scarf. - So she tried suicide again?
By some miracle, she's alive.
Butcher. I think... you're getting a customer.
- Who's next? - I am.
- That for me? - At your service.
- Put it on my bill. - We all know where she keeps her bill.
OK, you're next.
Ah, that damn carburetor. This isn't the first time.
That'll cost you... let's see... the ride plus the luggage...
How are you paying?
In lentils?
That's all I have left.
Listen, those shoes would do nicely.
- We're closed for the day. - That's not why I came.
I don't eat meat anyway.
- I came about the ad. - What ad?
- The ad in the paper. - What paper?
Hard Times.
Hold on.
"Light maintenance jobs. Odd jobs. Room and board. South-facing room."
I do have the right address, don't I? Number 129a?
Whether here or there, this is nowhere.
That way we don't get hassled by the neighbors.
Nor by any visitors.
Well...
I must have made a mistake.
Hey.
Not so fast. You're looking for a job, right?
Come over here. Turn around.
- Pardon? - Turn around.
How much do you weigh?
63 or 64 kilos. Why?
You're not exactly hefty. The job I've got takes muscle.
- Don't worry about that. - I'm a butcher. I'm a straight-talker.
From the very first glance I could tell you haven't got what it takes.
You don't have the build, you lack breadth.
Nonetheless I'll give you a chance.
But you'll have to work like a dog.
This is a stroke of luck.
- Thanks. - Come on, let's go.
So what exactly does the job entail?
Light maintenance jobs. Odd jobs. Room and board. South-facing room.
- Just like in the ad? - You could say that. Like in the ad.
Watch out. One of the steps is loose. You'll have to fix that.
And do all the painting, cleaning, the electricity. The whole shooting match.
You'll like it here, you'll see.
And there aren't any neighbors opposite. The key is on this nail.
Well, I'll let you get settled in.
Thanks.
- How are things in town? - Bad. Really bad.
It's the rationing. They'd eat their shoes. It's pretty dangerous.
- They haven't got any street smarts. - It's a mess. Till things grow back.
Nothing will ever grow back. Ever.
You're quite the optimist.
Get that into your thick head.
- Well, is your hair growing back? - No.
See? It's the same thing.
Couldn't we open the window for five minutes?
I like the smell of glue. It smells like fish.
It brings back memories.
What do you think of the new guy?
Are you deaf or something?
He's skinny.
Still thinking about her, huh?
Apparently she's hearing voices now.
Would it be too much of an effort to put that a bit closer?
- Hello. - Hello.
Ma'am...
Ma'am?
She's deaf as a post. This way we always know where she is.
Granny, go back upstairs to your room. There's nothing left. Now go.
You finished? Then don't dawdle. Fix the bulb on the second floor.
- Hi, butcher. - Hi, postman.
- Got a parcel for your daughter. - She's upstairs.
- Watch the step. - Mind your own business.
Grab it, Marcel!
- I've got it! - Throw it over here! Throw it!
Go on! At last!
You bastard!
Postal Administration. Article 12.
You've got exactly 20 seconds to get back into your homes!
- Move! - You don't have kids to feed.
That applies to kids as well.
Can't you read, you cretin?
- "Julie Clapet." - He's a friend.
A friend?
Here, Julie.
Sign here, Julie.
I call you Julie because I like you. But I don't want to rush you.
See you, Julie.
Here. For the ad.
Always at your service. That new guy is kind of weird.
- He used to be a clown. - A clown?
I'm sure this has something to eat in it. That's why they're...
Would you like some?
Yes. I'd love to.
Shall we say at seven? That'll give me time to get things ready.
- Is he after her? - After who?
Your daughter. She's a pretty little thing. She needs someone.
That someone is me. Is that clear?
- Wait, I've got news. - Yes?
They shot one two days ago. A superb 30-meter target.
- No bodies? - They cart them away.
Bloody vermin. They say they even eat money.
We've got to get rid of them for good. That's what I say.
Those vegetable-eating queers. They'll get what's coming to them.
STOP THE TROGLODIST PLOT THE ENEMY CONSPIRES AGAINST US
- Bye, butcher. - Bye, postman.
- Do you think that's it for tonight? - I hope so.
That goddamn butcher, I'm sure he won't do it tonight.
He's taking his time just to get at me.
He's obviously succeeded.
What's he waiting for, anyway?
Till the new guy tries escaping in a garbage can as well?
How long did the other guy last us?
A week.
Not counting the broth.
One week. We polished off the last bit two days ago.
I'm hungry-
I'm bloody starving.
I'm fucking starving.
My little Hercule...
Every man for himself, and God for all.
- Hi there. It's me. - Hello.
Come in.
Please, do come in.
- For you. - Thank you.
Sit down.
Did you paint that?
Yes, it's... not much.
No, no...
No problem.
I've made a pot of tea.
- Shall I pour you a cup? - Yes, please.
I hope you don't find me too forward.
Oh, no. Not at all. Why should I?
A girl invites you to her flat. Some would consider that a bit brazen.
Well, actually...
And thank you for this morning.
Why thank me?
You rescued my parcel on the stairs.
I was very touched by your attitude.
That goes without saying.
It's usually the other way around.
People usually only think of themselves nowadays.
Only because they have nothing. Deep down, they're still good people.
I'm glad to hear they like me. They're very kind.
I'm getting along with your father, too. He thinks I'm a nice guy, right?
Why not try Kraft cheese spread?
- That's new. - And handy.
They talk to me about you.
- Who? - The voices in my head.
Oh, right. The voices.
And what do they say?
Hold on, let me try to remember...
It's more the language they use.
Do they talk about love?
Oh, no.
"Robert's a pervert, an ass-wipe, a panty-eater." You see what I mean?
But... that's not true.
...then twist the other end like this...
Aurore, you're missing something really funny.
At any rate, I have no choice. Here. Tomorrow at 11 sharp.
- Ring the bell. I'm counting on you. - But...
"Ass-wipe"?
Move out? What for? I've just moved in.
Because it's pretty awful here. The building is unsanitary.
The walls are falling apart, and it leaks.
- Perhaps you don't like me? - Me?
- You act as if you want me to leave. - No, on the contrary. Not at all...
It does that once in a while.
Did I hurt you?
- I'll be all right. - It's still a shock.
I'm so clumsy.
Don't move.
I'm blind as a bat.
Everything's all foggy.
I could get lost in that fog.
No, no, leave it. I buy two of everything because I break things.
- So you play the cello? - Yes.
I play an instrument as well.
Will you wait for me?
- Oh, shit. Not again. - What are you doing?
- I wanted to run a bath. - Again?
Well, you sharpen your knives often enough.
A musical saw.
- It has a nice sound. - Sit down.
- The doctor and I had an act once. - Doctor?
Livingstone.
Dr. Livingstone.
He was my partner.
- But now he's gone. - Where did he go?
He disappeared after a show. We only found his remains.
They'd eaten him.
Can you imagine that? They ate him.
I lost everything that night. So, the first ad I saw...
And here I am.
- Mr. Louison, I need to tell you something. - Shh. Listen.
Do you know that tune?
It was his favorite.
Have you noticed how clear the nights have been?
That's normal. We're entering the Virgo age. That's my sign.
- No kidding? - I swear it. My ascendant is Leo.
Cut it out. Not everyone's Gorilla, ascendant Bulldozer.
I'm in luck, there's more in store. "Get ready, the Wind's shifting."
You'd like to pack up and leave, right? You wouldn't get far.
It's worse out there, they draw straws.
And it'd be a shame to lose these juicy hams.
These little sucking pigs...
Don't joke about it. I don't like it.
You're better off here. At least we're organized.
My ass! Your helpers are drawing straws, too. What about that ad?
That's fate.
You can't change fate.
It's like you said.
The wind is shifting.
Everyone's going to get it.
Mr. Louison, I shouldn't tell you this, but...
what happened to your friend... the same thing goes on here.
It takes place at night in the stairwell.
That's why no one ever goes out.
And my father...
SOPORIFIC HERBAL TEA
No.
- Hi. - Hi.
- I'm here to fix the box springs. - Come in.
This is an antique. It's seen a lot of use.
- Yes. - What's the problem?
It squeaks. It's annoying.
- Could you move it a bit? - Yes.
Just so I can hear?
- I can't see what's wrong. - It squeaks most when there are two.
Let's give it a try.
Just as I thought, it's the second spring to the right.
Come, Aurore...
Come, Aurore.
We are here, Aurore,
to help you.
Come.
Freed from life...
Come with us, Aurore.
Tranquil and at peace, Aurore.
Come...
COME AT 11 SHARP. RING HARD
Rotten world...
That should do it.
- Here. - Thanks.
- What are "Troglodists"? - Outlaws.
But no one ever sees them.
- Just tales to distract the people. - A typical Capricorn attitude.
- Wrong. I'm Aquarius. - Oh?
- A sign of the future. - Oh, the future...
It soon becomes history around here.
- It's very easy to miss a step. - Don't worry about me.
Those little brats. Give that back this instant!
Rémi, stop sniggering or I'll give you a whacking.
I don't believe this. I'll beat the one with the other, do you hear? Give that back.
Oh, great! How will we get that off there now, you little guttersnipes?
This is a job for the Australian.
The Australian?
The Australian.
Stand back.
That's quite a gadget.
The Australian is nothing without its master.
How about that?
Tapioca?
- Did you find a job yet? - No. Nothing yet.
Bad news. You're running up quite a bill. Not to mention the rent.
I'm in a fix at the moment. But I've got something here. Want a look?
Black market? In these times? That is really disgusting.
Just take a look.
A rat call. It gives out the female cry. It attract males.
So? There aren't any rats left. What's that?
This?
- A bullshit detector. - Oh, yeah?
- Come on, give it a try. - Give what a try?
Start bullshitting. Come on.
- Come on... - I can't do it on command.
Life is wonderful.
Your bullshit detector is shit. Turn that thing off. It's too loud.
If you don't settle your bill soon, you'll find yourself on my hook.
Very funny. What about that clown? Isn't that taking a tad too long?
Everyone in the building is edgy.
Not before he's redone the ceiling.
And in the meantime, to hell with us, right?
I've got mouths to feed.
Yeah, the granny's, for instance.
For instance... Why are you bringing her up?
- I've got my reasons. - What do you mean by that?
Do you want to get straight with me? Give me the granny tonight.
She's one of us. It's against the rules.
The rules, the rules... The age limit is a rule, too.
- She's only good for paté. - She's my mother-in-law.
Why don't you take Mrs. Interligator instead?
- Stop yelling. - It'd be an act of charity.
Please.
Interligator is fond of his wife.
He's a good tenant. He pays.
The bloody rich. They always manage.
You haven't got much choice in view of your debts.
Oh, it's you, Julie.
- You gave me a fright. - Were you counting your money again?
Well, yes. Tell me...
You don't come to see me very often.
It's nice of you to come.
Well, did you like your gift?
It must have cost you a packet.
Well, yes.
Anything to make you happy. You've loved sweet things since you were little.
But I don't anymore.
- Let him go. - You always ask the same thing.
It's the same old story every time.
- No, this time... - This time it's different?
True. Just look at you. I know what he's up to.
With his puppy eyes. Making your head spin with his dreams...
- No. There's no room for dreams. - Stop doing that.
It's a tough world out there. I didn't make the world.
I know you hate my trade, but it's an art like any other.
- Let him leave. - Yes, and you'll leave with him.
You won't last two weeks. I don't want to lose you.
You lost me long ago.
Julie!
TROGLODISM: AN UNDERGROUND ORGANIZATION?
Good evening, old girl.
You know what? Let's play a little game, eh?
I'll scare you, and you'll scream.
That little clown upstairs will rush to your rescue.
Let's begin, OK?
Go on, then! Planning to take my picture or what?
Scream, damn it.
You came from the northeast sector to tell us about your boyfriend's problems?
- Louison. - Louison? I don't know him.
No names. No ID. We're at war, girlie.
- We're outlaws. He's Rolls. - Dauvier.
- Voltange. - Rolan.
- Tourneur. - Milan.
- Trap. - Pank.
- Fox. - Paumeau.
- We watch out for moles from the surface. - You could be one.
- I'm not a liar. It's the truth. - You, a surfacer, you talk about truth?
Here. Do you know what this is? Take a close look.
- Our brother Matt's shirt. - Shot down like a rabbit.
Now that's the truth.
Common game. That's all we are.
- And you're predators. - Not me. I swear.
You're one of them. A carnivore.
What?
Is that the way you rats treat ladies?
- Hey, watch it! - For God's sake!
Oh, my God.
Paumeau.
Tell Calamity Jane to smarten up, or all hell will break loose.
Got it.
- A month's harvest is on the floor. - Plus the risks.
- Matt died for that. - Right. Tell her.
- Corn! - Corn!
Corn!
There's plenty more in my building. 30 large bags in my dad's cellar.
- What's this guy of yours look like? - Louison, Rolls, Louison...
Yeah, the guy you want us to pick up.
- Hello. Can I help you, miss? - No, it's just an old coffee grinder.
Coffee? Some people have all the luck.
So you went for a walk last night? Along one at that.
First uproar, then screams.
This building is an madhouse.
I know your father works at night, but this is ridiculous.
There you are, Julie.
Julie?
You OK?
Sorry. I was just rehearsing a new number.
Yeah.
Hold on...
- Here. - Thanks.
Didn't you hear anything last night?
No, your tea made sure of that.
A pot of tea a night, just as you prescribed.
I'll get you some more, you're almost all out.
You should drink some, too. You look exhausted.
Yes.
- Cheer up, she died a natural death. - Come on, let's go.
But still, I'd have liked to say goodbye.
Why don't we do that right now?
Poor Robert.
What made you rush out into the stairwell at night anyway?
I did it for Aurore. I wanted to save her.
I'm telling you, she wasn't the one who screamed.
Anyway... here you go.
Still, I did it for her.
The butcher was very decent. He apologized.
Invite you to dinner? I haven't got much.
That's fine. That way we won't feel weighed down.
- At 9pm? - Sharp. I'm always on time.
- Rather unusual for a girl, right? - For a girl, you're rather unusual.
I owe you a lot, you know?
- Did you forgive them... - For Livingstone?
One must always forgive.
Depends. It's not always possible.
Don't say that. No one's entirely evil.
It's circumstance.
Or they don't realize they've done wrong.
26th sector, fifth division.
Avenue des Gigotants. What did that girl say?
" Huh? " The girl!
Sector three-quarters, 69 degrees northeast.
Yes. Place des Albumines. Here.
- All right, let's go. - OK.
Scout to Sauce Master. Scout to Sauce Master.
Heading towards target, 69 degrees northeast.
Sauce Master to Scout. Message received, loud and clear.
Watch your backsides, guys!
Come...
Aurore...
They are the worm...
you are the fruit.
Not again! Darn it!
It seems rather quiet.
No! Not Father's golf clubs.
Yes, Father's clubs...
- Have you seen who's on TV tonight? - I don't have a TV.
Look, isn't that your customer?
Shit.
Look, I'm in a bit of a hurry.
No offense, but if you'll allow it, I'd like to come back later tonight...
to pay my respects to your daughter.
- Danger? We know no danger! - Audacity? Here we are!
Courageous, give me three!
Generous, you, you, you and me!
Scout to Sauce Master.
Corn located at site.
I repeat. Corn located at site.
Proceeding with reconnaissance mission. Target: Louison.
I repeat. Target: Louison.
An ambush.
Aurore, what's the matter now?
Georges...
Throw in your apron?
- Now I've heard it all. - I've been thinking about it for a while now.
I'm getting older.
I'm losing my touch. And so many victims... Ow! It's getting to me.
- I feel sorry for them. - Sorry? That's not like you.
No one's entirely evil. It's circumstance.
Or they don't realize they've done wrong.
Some say you have to be able to forgive. Would you forgive me? Huh?
An old bastard like you?
- Maybe I could. - You're sweet.
The guys you finished off wouldn't forgive you, though.
You'd really have to insist on it.
If only Julie could forgive me.
- Have you asked her to? - She wouldn't ever.
- But you're her father. - She won't even speak to me.
Want me to go see her?
I could explain it all to her.
At the moment she can only think about that Louison. But he's not such a bad guy.
By the way, he's on TV tonight.
Why don't you go tell him? I bet he doesn't know.
He has his head in the clouds.
You should really eat something.
Not hungry.
Fox! Fox!
Hey, Fox!
FOX!
You've been hiding things. You're on TV tonight.
How about that! Livingstone.
The Creekville Casino.
I remember we had a big hit back then with our "Tika Tika Walk."
"Tika Tika" what?
Oh, shit.
- So that's your new number? - I can explain, Julie.
Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you.
Julie!
I messed things up again.
He's got clown shoes.
OK. Mission accomplished. We'll wait for the others.
Julie?
Recipe eight.
- Cordon Bleu to Sniper. - Julie.
Artichoke Heart soufflé.
- Be quiet! - Artichoke Heart soufflé.
Preparation: H minus 35 minutes. Then the onions.
Simmer the snipers. Cover them for about 15 minutes.
I repeat. For about 15 minutes.
H minus 20 minutes. Stir the sauce. I repeat. H minus 20 minutes.
THE STARS OF THE CIRCUS
Julie. I didn't think you'd come.
Good evening...
- It's nice to... - I'll have a cup of tea.
- Pardon? - I'll have a cup of tea.
A cup of tea?
You have...
I'll have one as well.
Yes, a nice cup of tea.
Aurore, come and watch.
It's spellbinding.
Come, Aurore.
Come.
- You're wearing... - I found some contact lenses.
Here's Stan and Livingstone.
You never told me about this.
Julie...
That's Livingstone. Livingstone, Julie.
- I don't believe this. - It's the antenna, Dad.
- What a drag. - It's the antenna.
Go and fix the wire.
In this storm? No way.
Bastard.
It's the antenna. Because of the wind.
Louison!
Aurore...
Come.
It's so much better here
near US.
Come...
Louison...
- What? - Come back.
I can't hear you.
Come back.
Go back inside, Julie.
Watch out.
Mr. Louison?
No...
No!
To the right.
A bit more.
Yes.
Yes, that's it. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect!
Leave it the way is. Perfect.
Georges... Georges...
Aurore? Aurore?
Aurore?
Aurore.
- No more Robert... - I fell.
That pervert who just wants to drag you
down into the mire, down into the sewer,
into the sew...
So it was you.
No, no.
- It was you all along. - No, honestly...
- No, no, I can explain. - You bastard.
- It comes from downstairs. - Bastard!
You'll hurt your leg, Robert.
Stop! Stop!
Help, help!
You shit. Son of a bitch.
- I fell. - Yes, Aurore.
I wanted to get up on the chair. I fell.
Yes, Aurore.
The Troglos! The Troglos are kidnapping someone. The Troglos...
The Troglos...
How nice of you to make coffee.
Expecting guests?
Take your clothes off.
Julie, hurry.
That Interligator woman blew herself up sky-high. Took her husband with her.
Where are you going?
Stop them, Robert.
Julie, what are you doing here? Wipe that muck off your face.
You hear? Go home this instant. And wipe off that lipstick.
And you, I'll skin you alive. Just wait. I'll get you.
Just you wait. I'll get you. I'll get you.
Just you wait.
- Who goes there? - Snipers.
Well, how was it? Everything all right?
How did it go? OK? Everybody OK?
Hey, Tourneur, look what I found.
- Yes, but how about the others? - Here they are.
Here you are. Go on.
- How did it go? - Easy. Virtually fell into our arms.
And we're all here.
Shit.
- Where did she come from? - What the hell...
- Shit, shit! - Pank...
Is that the guy we were supposed to grab? The target you located?
- Pank, can you explain this to us? - Wasn't that the plan?
"Place des Albumines. Name: Louison." That's what it says.
Pank, it also says, "Sex male. Clown's shoes."
Then we'd better check it out.
"Sex male." Male!
So?
OK, so tell me, is the sex male?
Not my problem. Our mission was Louison. You got it.
Pank! Louison...
Is the package here male? Yes or no?
I guess we should check it out.
Sorry, Louison, just doing my job.
I must have landed in a madhouse.
I've had enough of this bullshit.
There's been a mistake, so let me go.
See, guys? Female through and through.
Cordon Bleu calling Onion Snipers.
Artichoke Heart... I repeat. Artichoke Heart in immediate danger.
Cordon Bleu calling Onion Snipers.
Artichoke Heart is in danger.
We'll knock them off like flies.
Must be cooking up there.
You can count on those nutcases. They'll fix your buddy for good.
Should we go?
Of course we're going. All of us.
- Doesn't she ever shut up? - They play rough.
But an agreement is an agreement.
Who's not in? Trap, you're coming with me. Milan, Fox, Tourneur...
- You take the others. Move it. - But what about me? What about me?
What about me?
Don't forget about me! What about me?
Bastards.
In case I don't come back.
Open up.
Give it up, you dimwit.
We'll let you go.
I swear.
We won't touch you.
We'll forget the whole thing.
OK?
- My cleavers. All of them. - Right, the cleavers. Slaughter them all.
- Think you're on safari, bitch? - That's my wife you're talking to.
There are no men or women, only volunteers.
You got it. Obedient volunteers.
Harm one single hair on my daughter's head,
and I'll carve you up into pieces.
So, go get my cleavers. Move it.
And make it snappy!
Where are you?
I don't like this one bit.
It won't be long now.
Julie, get out of here.
Yes!
It's me they're after.
Don't cry. I'll be all right.
- Don't cry. - It's my contacts.
- What? - us...
Julie...
there's only one thing left to do.
Go on, push. Push.
- What are you doing? Move your butt. - Can't. I've gotten too fat.
Wait, turn back! Tourneur, wait!
Wait!
- Tourneur's hit. - Tourneur's hit.
Tourneur's hit.
- Hey, postman. Everything OK? - I got one. Come and see.
- These monsters are everywhere. - They've lost one.
They won't be back.
Come on, Tourneur. Hang in there.
That lead really weighs you down.
- No other damage? - Don't worry.
We'll get you out.
Ready?
Come on, push.
Let me through.
- I don't believe it. - Water's running.
What the hell are they doing? Stand back.
What the hell are they up to?
Marcel...
Marcel!
Oh, Marcel!
Marcel!
Marcel! Marcel!
Marcel!
You OK, Marcel? Come on, get up.
Get up. Get up.
Go on! Go! Go!
Julie, follow me.
Be careful!
Julie!
Not a minute too soon.
Miss Plusse, you're a dragonfly in mating season. So a toad like me...
Get lost, you jerk. I'm in a hurry.
Let the lady by, will you?
I go from one footbath to another. Shit.
I despise you! I hate you!
This time you're done for, clown.
- Cut the bullshit. - Right. Cut the bullshit.
Now you're going to start singing.
My cleaver, damn it. Hand it over.
- Here, butcher. - You, here?
This is a job for the Australian.
At any rate, you came at the right time.
No...
- Oh, my God... - Goddamn Troglos.
Bastards! My Julie! My Julie!
It's all your fault. You'll pay for this.
I've got something... in my head, right?
Answer me, sausagehead.
You, tell me.
I'm not dreaming, am I? I've got something...