The lampposts are in need..
The lampposts are in need
of their long scarlet coats
Start
Roger.
My grandmother
I have to go see her.
What's the matter?
I've got to see grandma right now.
She's dying at the hospital
I haven't been to see her
Your grandmother died 10 years ago.
-Go back To sleep and leave me alone
-I have to go
I have to go to the hospital
She raised me
She loves me more than my parents
Francois...
Grandma! This unbelievable!
I was just coming to see you.
Don't be afraid.
I'm not afraid
Your wife is right. I'm dead.
Is that a dream?
I came to warn you.
You have to watch out for your self.
You've always been too curious.
But this time you might set
off the infernal machine.
What are you talking about Grandma?
From where I am
it's diffucult and dagerous to help you.
Dammit, stop muttering to yourself.
I need my sleep.
The great white walls are inundated
in a vast tragic happiness.
Three times.
The blood of airports
Can no longer bear the snow
Flooding the blue grass. One time.
I repeat: The blood of airports
can no longer bear the snow
flooding the blue grass.
One time.
You're in a bad mood.
I'm fed up.
I'm ashamed of what i do
This one will be too easy
Why bother with him upstairs?
You and your "why"!
How should I know?
Mind your own business and obey orders
without wrguing. Period.
And if I don't obey?
You Know what will Happen
We're not angels anymore
-But we're no witches either.
-Yeah right!
Fallen angels,
doomed to obey.
Cut the crap
and get to work, old girl.
Don't treat him too cruelly.
Francois is an odd mixture
of intelligence and foolishness
But he's a child.
Observe this young woman.
Listen to her. She'll inspire you.
She'll make you famous.
So, how was I?
Lovely.
Amazing how far you went.
-Was I wrong to?
Not Necessarily.
I repeat: you were lovely.
When I came to your door
I was so scared I wanted to run.
I love your films
I wanted to try out for you
even if I had no expectations.
Only five of you
are up for the part.
I was preparing a thriller.
I normally run screen tests
using the hardest scenes.
This time I'd chosen two scenes.
One was pretty erotic,
the one Virginie had just done.
You Know, I'm a blueblood.
I was raised to see sexual pleasure
as taboo to a decent woman.
So, I never had an orgasm.
Untill today
When my boyfriend wants me,
he jumps me and its over in a flash.
I don't know why I'm telling you all this.
I'm I boring you?
Not at all.
So when I came to your door,
I wanted to run.
Why do you do tests here?
I couldn't use the office,
your place, or mine.
Why the erotic tests first?
To give you a chance to bow out.
You said if I was embarrassed,
I should sublimate it
and turn it into pleasure,
then let the feeling carry me.
And go even further.
I obeyed again.
Then my mind went blank
and I tottaly forgot about you.
I know you didn't ask for that,
but the truth is I felt real pleasure.
Extremely intense pleasure, even.
I never imagined anything so intense.
Even in my dreams.
So was it your first orgasm?
I just said it was.
Why is that?
Rubbing myself in front of you
was already an exciting taboo.
Plus, I don't know you.
That makes it stronger.
I could fantasize about you,
knowing you wouldn't touch me.
I pictured you
aroused,
and burning with the desire to take me
You might have been wrong.
You're not a rapist.
What do you feel now?
I don't know.
Shame?
No
The feeling of having been lured
into lewdness?
And it wouldn't be your fault.
I came for a test.
I knew what I was doing
And it was all very exciting
A learning experience
A bit like a revelation
about my forbidden self
Are you sorry?
Not for now.
At least I'm glad you had pleasure,
however unexpected.
Promise me that what I've said
remains our secret.
I promise.
Now if you're not too tired,
we'll move on
to a dialogue reading.
It's a hard scene.
Another actreee was slightly better
and I made the film
without Virginie.
But I was haunted
by what she had confided in me.
Especially since I ran into her
two years later.
She gave me a cold look
and accused me
of having traumatized her.
Why this complete change of attitude?
During the screen test,
had this young woman made things up
to get the role?
As a filmmaker, I took actors' talk
and moods with a grain of salt.
But I was sure at the time
that Virginie had spoken in earnest.
Those confidences made me want
to make an experimental film
about taboos and pleasure.
I had a producer.
Please sit down
Young lady, I may frighten you.
-Listen...
-My name is Olivia
Olivia, I'm doing a film about female
pleasure and transgressing taboos.
I need actresses willing
to be arousing on camera.
Meaning?
What is arousing in life?
We're aroused when we dare do
little erotic things
that we've banned from our minds,
but which we're still dying to try...
like masturbating for a stranger
in a hotel room,
in a school or street.
In the film, I'd need
the actresses' connivance
about their desires,
their secret experiences.
It leaves room for improvisation.
That frighten you?
I mean, yes, a bit.
Do I have to do tests?
What kind?
Ones Involving the key scenes.
Meaning?
Probably rubbing yourself.
And, not being a lesbian, making love
with a woman for the kick of it.
You have to be arousing.
But there's no sex with a man.
What does "arousing mena?
That I have to have an orgasm?
At least create
the illusion
as authentically as possible.
Especially for the rising pleasure.
What are you testing?
An actress's sesnuality.
Some girls are wxciting, others no.
Especially on screen.
Excuse me for being so blunt.
Even if I do erotic scenes for you
that doesn't mean I;ll repeat them
in front of a crew.
Then why do it for me?
But you're right.
Girls often have last-minute qualms.
That's why I have to test
an actress's potential for exhibitionism.
hence, the video tests.
Is there any dialogue in your film?
Sure, and difficult dialogue at that.
I can't allow myself
to make a porn movie.
Nor can my actresses.
We're all on a high wire.
What I'm out to capture...
is the grace of the pleasure
on their faces
and their bodies.
Pleasure...
To express it,
you have to know what it is.
Why not take porn stars
and teach them how to act?
They take no delight in transgression.
I think I know
what you're looking for.
My boyfriend once took me
to a swingers' club.
I hated the place
But at one point I saw two girls.
They were lying on the floor
and one was kissing
the other girl's pussy.
So I stopped to watch them
I could see the mounting pleasure
of the girl who was being...
licked.
She was very beautiful.
I was fascinated by the way
her body moved.
before and during orgasm.
It was beautiful.
I suddenly realized
I was very excited
and envious of her.
yet I'm no lesbian.
To be frank,
just talking about it
excites me a little.
Isn't that the kind of excitement
you want to film?
By making a real film.
I'll try to create sensual tension,
mixed with poetry and suspence.
It's never been done.
Will it be shown in theaters?
On TV?
Both I hope.
I've never made love with a woman.
Actually, I have.
When I was 13,
with a girl my age.
I don't think it would thrill me now.
At the same time,
I'm tempted to do it,
but I'm afraid of how my family
would take it.
Especially my father.
Your idea is very interesting.
It's original and involves us all.
What's more, you listen to us,
you care about us.
We immediately feel
like confiding in you.
But to be honest,
doing sex scenes scares me.
I don't dare.
I'm sorry.
Goodbye.
Too bad for my film.
Really, no.
...a stranger in a hotel?
Not even a screen test?
...a woman, for the pleasure
of the experience?
Honestly?
For the thrill of breaking taboo?
in a hotel for instance?
Are you a lesbian?
In front of the camera?
You're the filmmaker?
My name is Julie
I heard you were preparing a film.
Can I speak with you?
Let's sit down.
I'm getting discouraged.
Why?
The actresses are all scared
by the tests or the project.
I can understand them.
But it's my current project.
I have nothing else going.
You know, your tests...
You can do them with me.
I swear you can.
I've heard about you.
You do serious work.
I trust you.
Besides.
I have nothing to lose.
Was I good?
No. I can tell from your face.
If I'd had the initiative,
i'd have been more intense.
Don't say a thing. You'll see.
I use this to make myself come.
Here goes.
After that,
you should give yourself a rest.
I can do it right away.
Once when i was 12 or 13,
I put it in so far
I couldn't get it out.
I had to get my mother to help me.
She pretended not to understand.
How did she go about helping you?
How do you think?
It's starting.
With my ball, it starts right off.
Sometimes, too fast.
Yu can talk to me,
tell me I'm beautiful.
But I won't answer you.
I don't want to show myself naked.
It's your right.
I asked for nothing.
Good.
Can I stay and talk?
if you like.
I have two favors to ask you.
Do you mind?
try me.
I'm majoring in modern lit.
I have to do a paper
on dramatic construction.
Do you have any reference books?
There are two essays
in the complete works of Corneille
on the compsition
of dramatic poetry,
which are still topical.
The second book is a fine study
of vlassical tragedy.
-Can I borrow them?
-If I get them back.
Without fail. Next week.
As for the second favor...
My guy's not enterprising.
Maybe he doesn't like romance.
You mean, sex?
Teach me how to have an orgasm.
Just by explaining it to me, i mean.
Young lady ask your friend.
Maybe I'm not sexy enough for him.
Not skillful enough.
To do what?
My vamp act.
And you think I can help you?
Sure.
You see lots of girls every day.
You're the ideal judge.
I can show you what I do for him
and you can tell me about my sex appeal.
Anyway it's 1.30.
Everyone's out to lunch.
We'll be left in peace.
Nobody will come bother you.
But you really think
I'm the right person for this?
Who else?
Here I go...
Can i put on Some music?
So?
Was I sexy or not?
I'll return your books next week.
I do that for my boyfriend,
for him only.
I won't do your film.
That much I understood.
Rebecca?
-It's nice to see you.
-Same here.
Got five minutes?
Two minutes.
What's up with you?
Nothing.
I decided to quit acting.
I sell clothes next door.
You're one of the few actresses
I ever advised to keep going.
Why?
Because I landed
a lead part in a film so soon?
I was sixteen and a half.
I was very young.
Everyone looked after me.
They did my hair, dressed me.
I was the Queen of Sheba.
But I did nothing after that.
I turned everything down,
on the pretense
I was a great actress
who shouldn't lower herself.
But you have to make a living somehow.
I wasn't going to get up
every morning to go to work.
I wasn't going to be like anyone else.
I moved in with a guy,
then a girl,
then with someone else.
I refused to see things
Then I really started sleeping around.
What do you mean?
What's the difference?
Are you thick or what?
maybe.
Explain.
You're 20. You're beautiful.
You're young.
The world's at your feet.
You use your charms.
But it doesn't last.
You become less beautiful.
Your hold on people
starts to weaken
There's always someone
who makes you pay the price.
Not being rich,
you end back at your parents'
I gradually noticed
other actresses,
the way they were.
Almast all of them wacko.
Same with the guys.
Everyone apparently sweet as sugar,
but with egos
as big as cathedrals.
And me...
I was getting to be like them.
Slowly.
Out of laziness.
Out of self deceit.
Why let yourself go like that?
I've refused to let myself go.
That's just it.
You'd better run too.
And run fast.
I'm fond of you you know.
Now that I've done your test,
I can admit it...
I've done porn before
I didn't tell you
for fear of being stereotyped.
-No thanks.
-There's beer in the fridge.
Help yourself.
How did you get into porn?
Simple. I was a student.
I first started posing nude.
Then I started dancing.
Also nude.
That led naturally to stripping,
and then one day...
So for you,
having an orgasm on camera
is easy to do.
Dont think that. We rarely come.
Officially, never.
And you?
What do you want to know exactly?
If it's ever ecstasy?
Last time, I did a scene with a guy
who disgusted me.
Well I ended up having an orgasm.
Because of that.
It's hard to admit.
We're all a bit weird,
a bit sluttish too.
The bigger the tabbo,
the more we like it. Of course.
When they hear we do porn,
lots of women come to see us.
to ask us what we do exactly,
if we really come and how often.
And if we enjoy it.
To go slumming to find out.
Even umong us chicks,
we lie and boast.
Nvelists and filmmakers should
look into that side of women more.
Despite appearances,
its almost virgin territory.
I'm trying to.
Starting with the truth.
What's the truth? You're naive.
I ask because you seem to be
a sex professional who's smart
and sincere.
Sincere!
We actors are all whores
for the role we want.
Even wonder why girls
do these tests for you?
Are you aware of the role you play?
I play a role?
-You're not neutral.
-How so?
You're not a playboy.
Yoy're one of the few
who listens to us.
You're calm self cofident,
on the surface at least.
You have both charm
and childlike innocence.
-Do I?
-Don't be stupid.
With you, there's something extra.
You're a father figure.
Me?
Me, me? Who else is here?
Even in the erotic area?
We feel like we're committing
a major transgression.
That makes the orgasm stronger
and different.
Just now, I was on my belly
dreaming that I ecited you,
picturing you behind me,
doing like me
then taking me like an animal.
That made me come hard.
The occasions are rare.
Enough fine talk.
Was I god?
This seems to come easily to you.
I'll wait to see my video screen.
I'm too used to sex,
not uneasy enough?
Wait for my answer in a few days.
I'll be back for the readings.
Please have a seat
I have photos for you .
And my resume, too.
Look closely at this girl,
let her take you. Give in to her,
totally
I'm right here,
by your side.
Go for it.
Are you free for dinner?
My friend Agnes,
the girl with the books,
told me all about your film.
So there.
Now you and I will play a game.
What kind?
Enjoying my secret littel pleasures...
In a place ill-suited for them.
Where's that?
Here.
Where you're a regular.
How do you know that?
I invited someone you know?
Who?
-Afraid of being alone with me?
Another acctress.
She'll be here soon.
A rival?
Your potential partner.
Then she can join me.
I scare you?
I don't know. I'm waiting.
I move closer to the table.
I place my hand on my leg,
just above the knee
ond slowly move it up
the inside of my thigh.
yes, look around discreetly.
Protect me.
Know what I'm doing?
I think so.
The waitresss is watching you.
So?
I just rub my finger
against my dress fabric.
Under the table.
Does it feel good
even through the fabric?
Don't let it end now.
Want me to wait for your guest?
It's weird.
It feels good to wait
for an orgasm like this.
I could make it last for hours.
Even If I'm a little nervous.
The waitress is looking again.
Open your dress.
Move your fingers over the fabric.
Now, underneath.
Feel good?
very.
Keep caressing yourself.
Even when she's closer,
but dicreetly.
So I can watch her reaction
when she realizes.
A bottle of champagne, please?
You're cute.
I'm all wet.
Keep it up.
So you're an actress?
We're going to work together?
Julie's passed the tests.
I'm doing the same thing
under the table.
I don't believe it.
Great!
Take off your panties.
But be careful.
Leave your hands exactly
where they are.
A menu?
I'll just have champagne.
Move closer together.
and caress each other, but harder.
This is a terrific moment.
Thank you miss.
Aren't you frustrated
to be so close but bound
by a promise not to touch us?
Don't mind my frustration.
Don't let it end so fast.
It will be better later.
I can take you
to the hotel next door.
Let's go.
Do you hear the electrical schools
sing and blaze? I repeat
Do you hear the electrical schools
sing and blaze?
You were both really superb.
Come on.
-Like this?
-Yes
Stand here, Julie.
Make her come a second time.
I'll stand guard.
That was great.
We work and come at the same time.
Life should always be like this.
I never felt pleasure like this.
Me neither.
I was nearly in Seventh Heaven.
But you've had orgasms before?
Sometimes.
Only sometimes?
I'm trying to understand this.
You just experienced
something very powerful...
-So What's different?
-I don't know.
Lot;s of women never feel anything.
Even alone,
including when they were very young.
Or so they say.
I think they repress it.
When I'm alone, I do.
I often caress myself.
Sometimes as often as
I get so exhausted
my day is over with.
I don't feel much with men.
Letting myself go with women is easier.
They know my body.
They know what to do.
And still having taboos in my head
adds to it.
What about you Julie?
Apart from the ball?
I don't feel anything,
just the pleasure of exciting you and her.
I just lied and you didn't realize it.
That's women for you.
Just kidding.
I've had orgasms
in lots of ways for years.
When it starts, caresses and penetration
don't give the same pleasure.
It gradually spreads
throughout my entire body
and I come.
Sometimes it feels mystical.
With sodomy, it's something else.
You're into sodomy?
Sometimes.
You have to take precautions
and then, in no time,
you forget everything.
The pleasure is fantastic.
But to have an orgasm,
you also rub yourself?
I don't have an orgasm.
Just immense pleasure.
Like when I suck off a handsome guy.
I have to run
or my boyfriend will kill me.
Not coming down?
-I want to stay a bit.
-Me, too.
You want to be together
without me?
What she said was interesting.
Take an interest in me.
Know where I'd just been
when I met you?
At my shrink's.
I see him twice a week.
I used to, anyway.
When I met you I decided
to end my therapy
and never see my shrink again.
That's both flattering and worrying.
Maybe more worrying than flattering.
Why do you say that?
My father's a great Psychiatrist
who studied psychoanalysis.
My mother is a psychoanalyst.
Everybody's a shrink in my family.
Your boyfriend too?
Hardly.
We just broke up.
The night of the day I met you.
Because of me?
I don't know.
I don't think so.
Dad bought me a flat.
He gives me an allowance.
He's famous.
He owns several clinics
and gives lectures.
-Your parents live together?
-No.
He gave my mother a child. Me.
Other women, too.
He legally recognized me.
He sees me regularly.
Even if, when I was a kid,
going to see him
was quite a ritual.
My existance
was kept secret from his wife
who threatened suicide
whenever a skirt walked by him.
Once, when I was seven,
I went to see him at his clinic.
She was there.
My mother introduced me
as a casual visitor.
And his wife threw herself in
a lake 15 minutes later.
My mom and I found a boat
and jumped in to fish her out.
I used an oar.
Luckily it wasn't too deep.
My mom had a boyfriend
When she was with a patient,
the boyfriend flirted with me
and kissed me all over.
Did that go on long?
Three or four years, on and off.
Did you tell your mother?
When I realized what we were doing.
She didn't believe me,
and ended up marrying him.
I ran away to see my father.
He rented me a place.
That's how I ended up
on my own at 13.
I've led a rough life until now.
-How old are you?
-21
I'll tell you the rest later.
I'm very fond of you.
You're going fast.
My affection comes fast
or not at all.
And it can last.
True, at 21 you must have already had
many enduring romances.
It's Julie.
-I came back. I'm coming up.
-Okay.
It's Julie.
I had a fight with my boyfriend.
You told him about this?
Tonight was work.
It's not his business.
But I didn't make him dinner.
he yelled and left.
Let's go out
and bop till we drop.
Great.
Mind if we try a sex club?
I feel like experimenting.
Sure.
-Without me kids.
-Oh come on!
You really won't come with us?
See the time?
You could have called.
So? How are you coming?
What is it?
You jealous of his wife?
Mind your own business.
Find your actresses?
I need a third one.
What do you ask of them?
If they agree to take me into
their taboo erotic fantasies.
And I watch them.
Without touching them?
No, why?
What did you do with them tonight?
Tests.
Erotic ones?
After which you fucked me like you
haven't done in ages.
Look me in the eye.
What are you after?
Understanding what goes on
in their head.
Watching them in their pleasure
even when they fake it.
Then i write a script that stylizes
what they tell me for the screen.
Always alone with them?
Who can I use as a witness? You?
An assistant?
Nothing will happen.
You'd be called a manipulator
and accused because you're a man.
I wont turn into a woman.
Listen to me.
These girls are prepared to say
what you want to hear,
and betray you if you
don't cast them.
Even if they are good, find others.
They may suddenly back out,
on a whim
or out of emotional blackmail,
or because of a jealous guy.
Protect yourself, my friend.
I sense you're in danger.
And so am I.
Don't be silly.
Come here.
Reminder
The little blue demons have orders
not to attack their loved ones
before the slaughter.
I repeat:The little blue demons
are not to attack their loved ones
before the slaughter. 3 times.
Help me please.
Come get me.
I'm alone.
all alone since last night. Come!
Listen, a girl's lying
on a bench in my bar
She came in an hour ago, crocked.
Come get her, now.
Are you Francois?
This way.
Charlotte.
Are you her father?
Nor her father, husband, or lover.
Lucky you. I'm sick of her coming
and making a scene.
Getout. If i see her again,
I'll throw her out.
No Charlotte
Make love to me.
Come on.
I want you.
-You're drunk.
-Fuck me.
We'll both regret it.
Get into bed.
I'm taking a shower.
-I'm sorry.
-It's okay.
Lie down
Feel better?
What happened?
Who'd you fight with?
No one.
It takes a hefty man to do that.
Was it your ex-boyfriend?
No, I did it myself.
Don't you want to tell me?
Is it so hard?
You wouldn't believe me.
You'd lie to me?
Cross my heart and hope to die.
It's like this:
The devil posseses me sometimes.
-Isn't drugs, rather?
-I dont take drugs. Any.
I never have.
I swear
Since i was making a racket
the concierge's son,
who's a childhood friend,
came up.
He has the keys.
He came in
and tried to pin me down.
But I was stronger than him.
He called his friend
and both tried
At firts I was stronger than them.
But then the devil abandoned me
and I lost my might.
Please.
never tell anyone.
I won't.
I haven't told you anywhere near
my whole life story.
Sometimes, I'm on the verge of despair.
Why won't you go back to your shrink?
Sit down Stephanie.
Have we met?
Strange, I'm sure I've already
seen you somewhere before.
Excuse me.
It's Charlotte. I'm I bothering you?
I'm in a meeting.
Julie is with me.
We went out ahain last night.
We've already done three clubs.
We're in a truck with some guys
who're playing music.
Why not join us?
-You haven't slept?
-What for?
We'll do it again tonight.
How do you keep going? On Coke?
We stop at champagne.
-You're spending a fortune.
-The guys are paying.
-For nothing in return?
-We're big girls.
It's Julie. Come on.
We'll turn you on to some cool stuff.
I'm in a meeting.
With a pretty girl?
As lovely and exciting as us?
You'd better go home to bed.
Goodbye.
Sorry about that.
I heard about your work for a movie.
You did say you want to leave
room for erotic improvisation.
To avoid filming
my own fantasies.
I'd like a man, even several men
to take me to a hotel
An afternoon delight.
I see myself making love
to three men. Maybe even five.
I understand three.
Why the other two?
I still have two hands.
Did I shock you?
Hardly.
Six in a bedroom.
Me in the middle.
If possible, blindfolded.
So when I pass a man later,
I can imagine it might be him
I had sex with.
Allow me to live out my dreams.
Take me to hotel room yourself.
A hot-sheet hotel.
I'll do the tests with you.
You'd do me a favor.
Well?
Well what?
Will you take me to a hotel?
Take your camera and let's go.
I'm starting to want you.
Me?
I scare you.
I can see it in your eyes.
You ask girls to put out
but you won't do likewise.
True, you make me uncomfortable.
You really need to be shaken up.
Let's go.
It's us again.
We're never tired of partying.
And Stephanie persuaded
the two girls to join us.
THe ghost stars must now flood
the green desert seas
Two times.
Some fun at last.
It's time to cast their red shrouds
over the great hollow mountains.
Two times again.
You must be used to seeing
girls masturbate.
I'm starting to be.
I'd never done it untill now.
Know why I'm doing it today?
I love to msturbate for you.
I love you watching me.
Film me.
The other girls.
They can come back in an hour.
Let them in.
You sure?
Don't say anything.
Let them in.
THey'll be in for a surprise.
Don't I'll take care of them.
Sit down a second.
Like this?
What I just experienced
is terrofic and new.
Film or no film,
we'll do it again.
Actually, you've seen me before.
The waitress. I'm a friend of Charlotte's.
Charlotte's mother thinks
I'm a pathological liar.
She may be right.
You in analysis too?
That's how I met Charlotte.
Did you think I was beautiful?
You were all terrific.
So will you cast us?
I'll be going.
I've almost reached my goal.
I hope so anyway.
Final act.
You're on.
One of your chicks again?
Don't. Keep our life apart.
At this hour it might be serious.
It's Stephanie.
It's important.
I'm in love with Charlotte.
I love her. I had to tell you.
Can I see you tomorrow?
Come by the office in the morning.
Early if possible.
Take care.
It was one of your babes.
I can tell from your dumb look.
You're too nice to them.
How can i not be,
with all I ask of them?
You ask them to act.
No more than laughing
and crying sincerely.
Fr some people, acting out sex
is different from the rest
Sex is immoral, understand?
The girls I have
went all the way.
They're crazy
and have you under a spell.
You're asking for trouble.
Must you really have them do all that for you?
I can only film what I know.
And drama schools won't teach you
to rub off under a teblecloth
or make beautiful love to someone.
My project has grown:
I want to convey mystical ecstasy
as the actresses mount towards orgasm.
You only feel that in love,
in real love.
Even there, it's rare.
I was lucky to feel it twice
with you.
Let's seek it together,
just you and me.
I can't be actor and observer.
You're not the same with me anymore.
I love you. I feel that I've lost you.
I need you deeply.
It's not the same thing.
Listen closely:
You're headed for a brick wall
and you don't realize it.
With me as well.
Please don't answer.
Don't get melodramatic.
It's just a message.
For me.
YOu have one new message,
received at 3.00 a.m.
It's Charlotte. Stephanie declared
she is mad about me.
You know, I like men.
I'll do what you want,
make love to her for real,
but for you.
Only for you.
For your film.
Why are you always so sad?
"The stars studded the deep dark sky"
"amid the night flowers a slim cresent
shone in the west,
"and Ruth Wondered Immobile,
"eye half open beneath her veils
"which god
"who reaped this tmeless summer
had so idly dropped in departing
"this golden sickle
in the field of stars."
-Hugo.
Nicely read.
Learn it all by heart now.
Come lie next to me.
Later, I'll tell journalists
I became a lesbian thanks to you.
That's not how I love you.
I loved sharing pleasure,
but that's all.
Don't leave me alone.
It's Francois.
Excuse me.
So you feel lonely with me?
I take what I get
But remember, if you need a favour
or jelp count on me.
I won't ask for anything in return.
I'm intruding.
Not at all.
Come here.
I'm only staying a moment.
I came to see Stephanie
and her new friend.
Stephanie is like a sister.
I love her.
I never refuse her anything.
She and I come from poor families.
But sometimes, thanks to my contacts,
I burn a rich guy,
a VIP or someone famous.
Why are you telling me this?
You threatening me?
Not at all.
Don't take it that way.
We're just talking.
See you, sister darling.
Have a good time.
Is he a guy you sleep with?
What's wrong with that?
It's Charlotte I love.
It's your life after all.
But keep him away from me.
I see you're still doing tests?
You betraying us?
How did you know I was here?
From the office?
No, we followed you.
You taking the new girl?
Why should I answer.
I should kick you off the film.
We feel cheated.
You girls are something.
What if you get sick
or change your mind
at the last minute?
Your lame excuses
won't keep us off the film.
-I'll jump out of a window
-I will too
I'll beat you to a pulp.
You haven't done a thing for me.
You did some admittedly
unusual screen tests.
Others did and didn't get cast.
-It's happening in all films.
-It's not the same.
WE gave up everything for you.
Unfortunately.
Threats to boot.
I should fire you instantly.
-I can only be an actress.
-Millions of girls aren't
-Then I'll kill myself.
-So will.
So you said!
I don't recommend acting.
To anybody.
Mind your dad's clinic.
That would be useful.
Never!
Please don't abandon me.
I need you now.
After the film, I can keep
doing tests for you.
I'm so attached to you.
I think I'm in...
You girls wear me out.
I'm out of here.
Frame them like this.
To play up light and shadow contrast.
We'll try out
three different light later.
Ladies, this is the producer.
Thanks Francois.
Nice to meet you.
You're lovely.
Where is Charlotte?
-In makeup.
-Be right back.
You okay?
Look at me.
better warm her up a bit.
see you in a minute.
I want a very close shot on the kid
and backlight her.
Get a doctor quick.
-It's not a doctor she needs.
-Go on!
Give me a hand.
Stop.
I'm the Devil's Beloved!
let go of me!
Let go of me!
Found someone to replace her?
Not yet.
Do we have to let her go?
She's always been normal with me.
I won't sign a contract with this girl.
Find a replacement and quick.
Not one. Two!
You're all disgusting to treat her
this way.
You used her.
And me. And all the others.
Your film is only possible
thanks to us.
Thanks to our tests,
when we fucked for you.
If you dump Charlotte now,
I swear I'll stop your film.
I'll get back at you.
Who are these nuts?
Young lady,
I make the decisions here.
You're fired. Both of you.
And you don't say a word in our favour.
Get these crazies out of here!
Forgive me.
I say nothing more.
I am losing my memory
of good and eveil.
I am a cradle
rocked by a hand
in the hollow of a tomb.
Silence.
Silence.
Forgive me my beloved,
but my pain is great.
And I'm so afraid.
So afraid.
Help me, daddy dearest.
Oh, help!
I'm begging you.
I'm here, my little girl.
I'm here.
Forget about these bastards.
have no fear.
They'll pay dearly for this.
This is all your fault.
Did she have to rub it in?
But I was still in charge
of a film and a crew.
Luckily I soon found
two replacements.
One of them, Celine,
despite my qualms,
proved to be a fine actress
and a very sweet girl.
Contrary to my fears,
shooting went without a hitch.
Later I tried to contact
the two other girls,
but they had moved away
and changed phone numbers.
And, mysteriously,
Julie had vanished after
her last day on the film.
The film was an unxpected success.
But I still hadn't found
answers to my questions.
Why does sex lead
to such violence and hypocricy
over matters that are no more
than a tempest in a teapot?
And then,
as Celine said to me,
What is truth?
In fact I was probably
chasing the wind.
Police goodmorning.
Sergeant Devigny.
I have a warrant.
I was taken in custody
and questioned on charges of harassing
Charotte and Stephanie.
I had a prison sentence
hanging over my head.
The word immediately got out
in the proffesion,
and picked up by the gutter press.
It earned me a sickening notoriety
which my intuition had neither
sought or imagined
when it drove me to this film.
the absurdity of it all.
Francois,
sadly, I heard about
what you've been doing all these months.
I'll never forgive you
for having betrayed me so badly.
I left before it was too late.
Don't forget,
time goes fast, for everyone.
I'm so glad to see you again.
So am I.
A kiss?
Why did you vanish after the flm?
Well?
I met someone.
I had to tell him about the film.
He was jealous.
When my scenes were done,
he forced me to move,
change my phone number,
burn all my bridges.
What do you do now?
I work in computers.
Are you happy?
The truth is I ran away.
From what?
You.
Me?
When I touched myself
in front of you at the beggining,
I hardly enjoyed it.
But then I felt an intense pleasure,
which was even stronger
when I made love with Charlotte.
It's because you were watching me.
You initiated me
and now I miss all that.
And to be honest,
at the time, I grew attached to you.
Very strongly even.
As strong as that?
You didn't realize it, did you?
You never realized anything.
I mean, anything serious.
For instance that you were being
manipulated by all those girls.
And that you set something off in me.
See what I'm getting at?
You realize how you hurt me?
I hurt you?
That's what I'm trying to say.
Sorry.
I didn't know.
The shoot was hell for me too.
The shoot...
Still don't understand?
What should I understand?
Tell me.
I can't even hate you.
You never realized
I was in love with you?
Not only for the sex.
It was powerful, deep.
So I chose to run to another man
and never see you again.
You fell in love with me?
My god...
yet I'm sure you don't even
do it on purpose.
It was that powerful?
probably for the others too.
You set off such intence, deep things.
That's why it all anded badly.
You'll never stop being...
so clueless.
But, even for just that,
I'll keep aplace
for you in my heart.
I have to go now.
Give me your number?
I'll give you mine?
We'll meet again.
Their great blue desert is just
a chained hell without flames.
Three times. I repeat.
Their great blue desert is just
a chained hell without flames.
What do you want?
Let go of me!
We finish him off.
Why did you save him?
Oh, my God!
I'm here, my child.
I'm your neighbor. Don't worry.
What got into you?
Why did you do that?
Are you in love with him?
What if I am?
You are both in that void
where the dead seek each other.
They never should have put me with you.
We're both lost.
We're ready to set up.
End of the call to order!
Oedipus will never see beyond
the obedience of a jackal or a sphinx.
The vocabulary was too dense.
They carried off
all the splendid bodies. One time.
One last time.