The Killing of Dolls
is the self-analysis of a psychopath
whose mental illness is based
on one of the basic elements of criminal psychopathology:
The drama of the double personality.
- I'm sorry, Paul.
- Here's the park. - I've never been there.
- Shall we go inside? - If you like.
I told you I'm the jealous sort
and you shouldn't stare at boys like that.
Don't be silly. Give me my glasses.
- Stop it. - Give them back.
Hello Paul, how was your last day at school?
They threw me out.
Useless.
Be careful.
Marlon, don't be so cruel.
Where are you going?
- Just going for a walk. - I'm closing the park.
Don't worry, I know how to get out.
Bloody kids.
Give me my glasses, I can't see.
What's wrong?
You didn't tell me you were having a period.
- I'm sorry.
That's what you always say.
- Now what do I get? - I'll do it.
You'll do it? No chance, sweetie.
Please give me my glasses.
Careful... don't step on them.
Don't scream, I won't harm you.
Don't move.
You can take the body now.
Go on.
Are you the park keeper? Come here a minute.
Lift.
Come on.
- What's wrong? - I feel faint...
John, help me.
- Hold him. - Why did you bring him?
You know he can't handle such things.
Leave him alone.
- Paul, my son. - Leave him.
I feel sad.
I'm very sad...
I'm tired of walking. My feet hurt.
No, I don't like bike-rides. We could fall...
No, don't squeeze me so hard.
I got you... Now see what I do.
What happened?
Who broke the glass?
Father, who was that child?
It's Robert, a real little devil.
Walter's grandson.
Who's Walter?
An old friend who spends his days in the park...
You should watch that kid.
He's a potential killer.
Get some water. You'll set the park on fire.
Get out.
Paul, are you trying to drive me mad?
Put this rubbish away.
Yes, mother, whatever you say.
Don't scream, mother. It makes you look ugly.
I must tell you something...
There's a killer on the loose.
- What do you mean? - Nothing...
just be careful.
Perhaps he's already here, and you don't know it...
- I have a special toy. - Do you collect them?
Yes, I like to collect things. Don't you?
Yes, I collect hearts, it's a lot of fun.
What kind of hearts?
The kind that grown-ups carve on trees in the forest.
That's extraordinary. I never thought of that.
A collection of hearts...
- My mother said it's stupid. - She's the stupid one.
- Hey, what's your name? - Paul
I'm Robert. Would you like to be my friend?
If you're nice, of course.
I promise.
Let me go.
What's going on?
Are you mad? Do you want to kill him?
What do you mean?
We were only playing.
Isn't that right, Robert?
Yes, we were playing. He's my friend, grandad.
What did you do with my matches?
I burned Margaret in the park. Leave us alone.
- You know me? - I'm Paul.
- Paul? - The gardener's son.
Oh... I thought your parents only had a daughter.
You're mistaken... I don't have a sister.
What do you do? Are you at school...?
...or working?
School, I want to be a surgeon.
That's interesting. I like ambitious boys...
I need to talk to your parents.
Is it urgent?
Just that right now they're committing a crime...
But perhaps they've finished.
I'll call them for you.
Father, the countess is here.
Hello, countess, what a nice surprise.
How can I help you?
It's not important.
Just to let you know you can begin your vacation tomorrow.
My head butler will look after the plants.
That's not necessary, Paul can do it.
I always thought you only had a little girl.
I'm afraid not.
We have a son who is nearly 20 years old.
And he's going to be a fine surgeon.
We had hoped so, but he's been expelled...
and told not to come back.
That's why he's not going on holiday with us.
I'm sorry.
It's not really that bad, there were worse students than me.
But a teacher kept hounding me.
He wasn't happy until I was suspended.
That's not true, Paul.
It's not your teacher's fault you have a fear of blood.
So you're leaving tonight?
Are you still studying?
No, I'm writing a novel.
Using my imagination.
Don't worry, father, I'll take care of the garden.
I'll watch over it...
Listen to this:
"The beaches were empty."
"Flesh burned by the sun."
"They returned from vacation. The house smelled of damp."
"They opened the windows."
"They were..."
"like strangers..."
"even after 22 years of marriage."
"They returned to the grave, to get rid of the luggage,"
"those mysterious objects of travellers."
"How many secrets can a suitcase hide?"
"Taking out the clothes, Ophelia screamed in horror."
"Amongst her soiled clothes she found a man's severed hand..."
Please, Paul! Don't be so horrible.
The characters from my story have nothing to do with you...
It's not that bad, mother.
I caught these.
They're a little damaged, but you can have them...
What are you studying?
Something difficult. You wouldn't understand.
Why? Do you also think I'm just a child?
I know you're a young man with a beautiful girlfriend.
I had a girlfriend.
I don't see her anymore. She was stupid...
After all, she was just a doll.
Do you have a girlfriend?
No, no girlfriend. I'm completely free.
You've never carved a heart on a tree?
No, never. Why?
You're a grown up.
Other grown-ups like you kiss girls and carve hearts...
I've seen it in the park.
Now my parents are gone, I shall get a girlfriend.
They left you alone, so you can do anything you want.
Anything.
Why won't you tell me what you're studying?
Alright...
I want to be a cardiovascular surgeon.
In the thoracic cavity of the corpse that's been emptied,
an inserted pacemaker appeared next to the pulmonary vein.
What's a cardiovascular surgeon?
He operates on the hearts of sick people.
You've got so many cool things...
You tear the heads off like I do.
- What's this? - A stethoscope.
- What's it for? - To check the heartbeat.
- How does it work? - Sit down here.
What can you hear?
You're worthless, a good for nothing.
Why do you wear that mask?
You look so strange.
Why's your hand shaking?
If you don't become a surgeon, you can be a butcher.
What are you doing?
Stop it, Paul.
Gardener!
- Are you the gardener? - Yes, how can I help you?
I'd like to buy a rose from one of the bushes,
if that's alright with you.
Wait here for me.
Come.
This one...
No, I don't sell flowers.
But I don't want children to be born wanting.
What a strange fellow.
What are you laughing at?
Look at them.
- May I come in? - Please, feel free.
You're very strange.
- Do you need anything? - I think so...
Creatures used to solitude...
always need something from each other.
Why don't you turn on the light?
I thought you'd like the darkness.
Only for certain things...
I'm going to my room. I should change...
I'm almost naked.
Would you mind sleeping at my house tonight?
I've never slept anywhere but here, but I'd like to...
It'd be a new experience.
Paul, why does it smell like burnt meat?
I tried to cook my own meal for the first time.
Is there a girl with you?
I don't know.
Perhaps Katherine came back.
And who's Katherine?
Nobody, it was nothing.
Try not to make too much noise.
Even though my husband's not here,
it's best no one sees you.
Come on...
My room is downstairs, remember that.
And don't lock your door.
Don't worry...
I won't.
I'm afraid.
I won't sleep with her.
Open up.
What's going on, René?
The fuse blew, we had a power cut.
I thought my lady could use a candelabra.
I didn't notice. When did it happen?
Just a few minutes ago.
How did you know I was here?
I didn't, I was going to leave the candelabra in your room.
Thank you, René.
But my room is downstairs.
- Good morning, my sweet. - Good morning, mother.
Who's he, mother?
The gardener's son.
Do you want anything?
No, nothing.
You can leave then... And cut me some flowers.
Here he is.
About time.
Did you oversleep?
I don't usually have to open the gates.
- Good morning. - Good morning, Paul.
I can help you water the plants, can't I?
- Is that alright? - Yes, but stay close.
- Of course. - Let's go then.
So, Paul...
What's this axe for?
To cut wood.
Why do you act so strange?
You devil, why did you kill that doll in the park?
Because I don't like dolls.
I don't like them either.
Go find your grandfather, I'll see you later.
- Did you sleep well? - Yes, very well.
And why did you lock your bedroom door?
You told me not to do it...
that's why I did it. No offence.
What's up? Didn't you understand me?
What didn't I understand?
Why do you think I asked you to sleep at my house?
Alright...! No need to spell it out.
You think I'm stupid?
Can't I just like you? Do I have to sleep with you?
Of course not.
Then leave me alone.
Why are you doing this to me? Why?
Don't be childish. Why don't you like the countess?
Stop it.
You could kill her. Why are you waiting?
I don't want to.
I don't want any more blood.
You might not want to, but I need your hands again
I'm stronger than you. And I'm part of you forever.
If you kill me, we'll die together.
That's the only way out, but you're a coward.
Damn you.
Haven't you ever been with a woman?
Does your silence mean you've been with a man?
I've never kissed anybody.
And I want a girl who hasn't either.
Listen, Robert...
you know the countess's daughter?
You know her name?
I fooled you.
Grandfather, he wanted to kill me.
It's a fake knife, look.
See, I fooled him...
I'm sorry about that.
It doesn't matter.
Mr. Bronson, do you know the countess's daughter?
Yes, she's a very nice girl.
I've not seen her before.
- Who are you? - I'm Audrey.
I'm Robert.
- This is my friend Paul. - Pleased to meet you.
Me too.
Thank you for the lovely flowers you gave my mother.
So... it's true...
What do you mean?
This is boring. See you later.
I didn't know you were the gardener. I've not seen you before.
It's the first time I've done it, and I'm not very good at it.
My parents are on holiday, so I'm alone.
Do you mind if I join you?
I need somebody to talk to.
I get lonely in this house. Do you understand?
There's not many young people around here.
Sort of, but this is the first time I've ever come here.
To see me? Or because you were bored?
What do you think?
I think they're heading to paradise.
Sit down here and I'll tell you about my collection.
Maybe a drink?
I'm sorry, I've never been in a situation like this before.
I don't know what to do.
Whose dolls are these? Do you have a sister?
Take that off, Paul.
Why, mother?
You made me get used to them. It's too late now.
What do you mean?
Maybe you didn't notice.
Who does this remind you of?
- Remember me, Mother?
I'm not Paul.
I'm your daughter Katherine.
- Don't be so cruel. - Watch out.
What's going on?
You should know better than anyone else.
You made me believe I was your little Katherine
and as though she had been reborn...
you dressed me in her clothes...
made me play with her dolls.
You can't remember that, Paul. You were too young.
I remember everything, Mother.
Sometimes father said: "Don't call the boy Katherine"
I'm so sorry, Paul. I didn't mean any harm...
I just couldn't accept my little girl was dead.
No, mother, don't deceive yourself.
You got what you wanted.
I don't understand.
You created a double personality inside me.
And now I've grown up...
...hating dolls and women.
Your precious Katherine is a human beast.
Whose dolls are these? Do you have a sister?
I did...
She died before I was born.
But my parents, grieving their loss, had me play with her dolls.
Why do you keep them?
I don't know.
Maybe I'm afraid to answer that question.
You've been messing around, eh?
What are you doing here? How did you get in?
Through the kitchen window. I thought you were experimenting.
And I wanted to frighten you.
You experiment with things?
No, Robert meant my surgical studies.
For which I'm going to the city to buy some equipment...
Do you want to come with me?
We can take my car. But you'll have to drive.
Do you like mannequins?
I love them...
They look like you...
It'd be wonderful to have a collection...
Do you know where they make them?
- How much are they? - Prices vary.
This one for example...
500 francs.
Thank you, I appreciate it.
Let's go. I didn't know they cost that much.
Why don't you leave your studies?
Isn't there anything else you like more?
- You, for example. - Watch out, Paul.
You're strange.
I'll walk home. Please take the car to the garage.
- See you tomorrow. - See you forever.
Good evening Mr. Doctor... have you seen Robert?...
He left me alone. I'm very sad. I don't like to be alone.
What's wrong with you lot?
Are you jealous of Audrey, the doll from the park?
Yes, you are jealous.
I saw it in your eyes...
And I won't stand for it.
- They're leaving. - Let them go...
It's their loss.
- Kill. - Leave me alone.
A broken heart over the Grey waves of the cloudless sky...
she was staring at the black butterflies in the corner.
She cried.
- What are you saying? - She was my daughter.
The moon laughed at her tears.
- You wretched creature. - Not my wig.
I wish you'd never been born.
- Calm down, come on... - Be quiet.
Can we see Inspector Maurice?
That park is well known to us.
Even though it closes early, there's an entrance in the back.
We call it "Paradise".
Many couples go there.
What happened in the greenhouse?
We were very stoned.
Everything was confusing...
I remember there was a strange mask...
But it could have been the effect of the drugs...
When we woke up the girls were gone.
And the glass door of the greenhouse was shattered.
That's it, you can go,
but don't leave the city without telling us.
- Show them out. - This way.
Anything wrong?
This is bad.
The fourth killing in a month...
The bodies were found near the Montpellier river.
Someone threw them in and the water swept them away.
They were cut up...
and the hearts removed.
How did you get in here?
The door... it wasn't locked.
Liar! I locked it before I left.
What are you doing here?
I'm looking for the gardener. I want some more flowers.
I'm having a party tonight in the Golden Room.
My husband returns tomorrow and...
I'm celebrating the end of the summer.
Excuse me.
You should learn to relax.
You're too serious about everything.
The party starts at 10 and you're invited.
See? I don't hold grudges.
And don't leave the door unlocked next time.
I hate misunderstandings.
What are you doing in my room?
I'm sorry.
What are you looking for?
You gave me the keys so I could come anytime.
But not into my room.
I came in here so mother wouldn't see me.
So, if you heard what we said...
...you should know there's no problem...
...no reason to hide
I'm sick of her insulting me for not being her lover.
You should tell her about us.
Audrey, take your clothes off.
Strip.
Do it.
Turn around.
Thank you, Audrey...
It's the first time someone cried for me.
Did you notice?
I got rid of the dolls.
I'm not alone.
I love you.
- Do you like it, mother? - No, you're much prettier.
But there is... a strange resemblance.
- Take it to my room, please.
Help me.
Is she really a countess?
Why not see for yourself?
I can't believe you have such a grown-up daughter.
- You think I'm that young?
So, are you coming here or not?
The guests are still arriving. But don't worry.
I'll see you later tonight
I'm going to show you something you'll like very much.
Something I'm collecting that affects both of us.
- Can't you tell me what it is? - No, you must see for yourself.
And I have a surprise for you.
- Can't you tell me? - No, one surprise for another.
- You know something? - What?
I love you.
No, I love you.
Then we love each other.
All right.
Don't be late... I'll be waiting.
The rest isn't important, but I can't understand...
why a beauty like you would marry Geraldo.
- I just don't understand. - Really?
I'm going to get a drink.
Who's there?
Did I frighten you?
I couldn't wait any longer.
It's marvellous.
What a party, everyone's here but where's your daughter?
She must be in her room... but I'm here.
Do you want to dance?
No, I'm tired.
- Is anything wrong, Paul? - No, nothing.
- Remember my little friend Robert? - Yes, why?
He's gone missing.
- Can you help me? - What?
Do you want to see an open heart operation?
I don't know if I can stand it.
Was that the surprise you told me about?
No, it's not.
But after your gift, mine doesn't matter.
To tell the truth, it's not finished yet.
Prepare the instruments, everything is in the cabinet.
I want to show you how unjustly they suspended me at school.
What are you going to do?
This mannequin is a woman who needs an operation.
Help me undress her, would you?
I'm starting to like this game.
Listen, can we get away?
I'm going to cut you, but don't worry...
you know I love you.
Why is your hand shaking?
If you can't be a surgeon you can be a butcher.
I don't permit comments.
There's no anaesthetic, Paul.
No anaesthetic...
I'm sorry, we'll have to tie you.
No, Paul, stop it.
I thought it was a joke, don't ruin that mannequin.
- Put that doll on the table. - No, Paul, don't make me.
What the hell are you doing?
Watch me, Audrey, this is the most important operation of my life.
If you're afraid of blood now...
...what will happen when you must perform a real operation?
Come closer, Audrey... Now look...
No, you're insane
I'm going to use the instruments we bought together.
Paul, open the door
Paul, open up.
Keep quiet, it's your mother...
I'll get her away from here.
Wait here, don't leave.
Paul, open the door.
What do you want?
Is madam satisfied with the service?
No she is not satisfied!
- I... I was waiting for you. - Quiet...
Who are you afraid of? Your father or my husband?
I'm afraid of the night.
...And of you.
Really? No need to insult me.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.
I wish you were like this all the time.
So there you are...
Where were you hiding him?
She wants to keep it all for herself.
Don't make so much noise.
So, how was the party?
Who cares? Our party starts right now.
Serve the gentleman some champagne.
I'm off to get changed, but I'll be back.
- You can go now. - Very well, madam.
- You can stay if you like. - I prefer to leave, madam.
- No kissing. - Don't be scared.
What are you doing?
René, you're so handy.
Take me.
It's about time... after serving you all these years.
- The master has arrived. - Very well.
- Is everything ready? - Everything, ma'am.
Go and meet him.
Come.
Where's the gardener?
I'm sorry, sir.
- He must be asleep. - Asleep?
What are you doing here?
How dare you go in my daughter's room.
I don't...
I don't remember anything.
Is Audrey back?
Back? From where?
Three single roses for the master's bedroom.
- And who are you? - I'm Paul...
...the gardener's son.
Get me a date with him.
Sir, you should know he is the countess's lover...
and your daughter's boyfriend.
How annoying.
It's not possible.
Paul, it's your best collection.
But you needed Audrey's heart...
Accept me for as long as you live.
- So she's still hysterical?
- Go and see if you can sort it out.
Don't you think it's beautiful, Paul?
Audrey is dead, mother because of Katherine...
Because of the beast you created, mother.