1
Everyone's life is a story
in its own right.
One story is thrilling,
the other one boring.
It just depends on what you make of it.
Everyone has a novel character in them.
A dreamer, a loser,
a traitor or a hero.
But the question is:
who wants to write it down?
And who wants to read it?
Those stories full of dreams,
fears and longing.
THE LONGING
In any case,
this story is about Marc.
With his brother, he's a publisher.
Of books.
Good books.
Is my brother here yet?
No, not yet
- Of course not.
It's very bad here.
- Same as last time.
Nothing wrong then either.
I'll have a look.
Hello. Brigitte Hooijmakers.
- Marc Goudemondt.
Mrs. Hooijmakers, something went wrong...
- I always fight with my spell checker...
This appointment slipped through.
- ...so I probably made some mistakes.
And my grammar isn't...
I keep interrupting you, right?
I've read your...
..."book". Well, for the most part.
HURRYING ON HEELS
Is it true that your main character
isn't a person, but consists of...
Jimmy Choos.
Those are shoes?
- Yes.
That's what it's about.
Shoes can say everything about someone.
Shoes can be someone.
Honestly.
So what do you think?
Is it your kind of book?
Hi.
Gee, looks awesome.
- Yeah, it was dead.
This model is just a bit tight.
How's that possible?
Our best sold title
of the past two years:
2314 copies. Two print runs.
Half of the Netherlands
is writing a novel these days.
Aren't you buried in manuscripts?
Sure.
Just last week I met an unknown writer
with a masterpiece.
But it isn't about that any more
these days.
I can publish the most wonderful books,
but if I can't get my author on TV...
...I may as well recycle them right away.
- What's the problem with that writer?
Anything...
...in the mail for me...
...today?
What's your name?
- Schutte.
Yep, here you go.
REJECTIONS
Two thousand novels fit on here.
Probably twenty thousand
by the end of the month.
Dinner's ready.
I remember the days when quadraphonics
were all the rage.
Quadraphonics.
As if we have four ears.
A while back, 3D TV was a must-have.
That flopped as well.
A book is something you want to hold.
You have to smell and feel it.
Wonderful that soup of yours, mom.
Write down those recipes.
Guaranteed to be a bestseller.
Cookbooks sell like hotcakes, dad.
Let me just say that I'm happy
that you keep the business afloat...
...without cook and travel books...
...and without too much
of that e-reader stuff.
Very happy-
But it isn't easy for us...
A good publishing house
always has a right to exist. Always.
Fortunately, my sons have the real
publishing genes.
One of the prettiest women
I've ever seen and ambitious as hell.
And? Follow-up appointment?
Just for the sex?
A bimbo with a trashy book.
Not a sentence without a mistake.
Jesus, man, who cares.
You're straight, aren't you?
Or are you afraid she'll spell 'sex'
with 'ks'?
Bo, again you didn't say
anything tonight.
I can't remember hearing you say anything.
You're better at that sort of thing
than I am.
Suppose we really go bankrupt...
Then we can arrange dad's funeral.
What if we turn Brigitte
into a real writer?
Have you lost your mind?
- Haven't been here for a while.
Did they catch those burglars?
- Funny.
She took everything, except for my books
the microwave and three lamps..
Shouldn't you get new furniture?
- What with?
I'm still owed six months in wages.
I'm not going to participate in this.
- Listen...
That guy looks like a troglodyte.
Two sentences take him 30 minutes.
But that book is fucking brilliant.
- But I...
He hates publicity.
Terrified of people,
wants to write books in anonymity.
But no one wants to publish them.
One of the prettiest women
you've ever seen, you said.
And ambitious as hell.
- And a bimbo, I said.
What's wrong with shoes, anyway?
No way.
You'll probably think: First you said
you weren't interested in our work...
...and now you ask to meet us.
'I D I
...don't...
...understand it.
A train ticket costs me every time...
The point is: I've got an idea.
My brother's likes it too.
It's a rather...
How shall I put it?
It's a...
It's a rather unorthodox plan.
'Unorthodox' wasn't a word
Brigitte would use.
Herman would.
But laws stand in the way of 'using'
and 'doing' And practical obstacles.
They weren't sure, though.
An opportunity like this
to finally get a book published...
...they might never get again.
What if one of them pulls out?
- Why? They get exactly what they want.
Have you read the classics lately?
Things like this always end in disaster.
Oh, Jesus.
This has been your plan all along?
- Of course.
The sooner one of them regrets it,
the better.
Bingo. The media will be outraged
and we open the champagne.
And dad?
Know what? You call to tell him
we're pulling the plug.
Boudewijn Goudemondt.
Marc Goudemondt.
That's good to hear.
Looking forward to it?
Why so sexy? It's about a book.
- It's her idea. She tells me to do it.
Sorry, but this makes no sense.
This is no good.
Why not?
- Because it isn't a children's book.
This is weird.
- Yes, this is it.
I look like a parrot.
- This is exactly...
I don't want this.
- Why not?
It's what my mother would wear.
- It's good.
I like this. The shoes are good too.
THE LONGING
New Prams?
But, Bri, what...
"Because the daily grind sometimes
hit her in the face like a wet rag...
...Leonie tried
with a lot of masturbation..."
Bri, what is this?
Since when have you
been writing books?
838 pages.
I've been writing since forever.
Diaries, stories.
I've told you, didn't I?
- No.
"Leonie was a soldier without weapons.
A Dear Abby without answers.
How to tight the erosion
that tormented her soul...
...she didn't know."
It's kind of, like, about myself.
Not literally, but still.
You have nothing to complain about.
- How so?
Men being interested.
- Right, but always the wrong kind.
Whispers in the street,
hands on my ass in the subway...
...listening to bullshit just for a date.
I want something different.
- Good evening, ladies.
This is Harry. I'm Jan.
We felt like having a drink.
We thought maybe you want one too.
Hey, Dennis, give these ladies a drink.
It's on me.
So this buddy of mine knows someone
who's into apps.
We were talking about investing in that.
What do you do?
- I wrote a book.
It will be published soon.
- A book? A diet thing, I guess.
No, it's, like, literature-ish.
- Oh, chick lit.
With a lot of sex
and a ball-busting plot twist.
Know what? I'm going home.
Mariska, are you coming?
Hold on, I want to talk about literature.
And you have to points
I'd like to discuss.
B...
Bri, what are you doing?
He was an OK guy.
Yeah, very OK.
As OK as a horse dick.
For once I'd like to have
a normal discussion with a guy.
Who looks at me instead of my boobs.
- You've got those publishers tor that.
They're interested
in a different side oi you.
What do you mean by that?
- What do you want, Bri?
You are who you are.
Be happy with that for once.
Anyone would kill to look like you.
And you're still not satisfied.
Don't be so difficult.
Bri, this is it.
Right? It's all you're going to get.
Be satisfied with what you have
and who you are.
So this is it?
For the rest of my life?
Dicking around with drunken idiots?
- But that's fun.
Every day on my knees
to cram feet in a pair of shoes?
What's wrong with shoes all of sudden?
- Nothing. But there is more, Maris.
Don't you ever think about that?
Brigitte, there you are.
- It's nice around here.
Yes, of course. I'm on my way.
Herman's at the railway station.
I'll go and pick him up.
Welcome. Mi casa es tu casa.
- Sorry?
Mi...
Never mind.
It belongs to my parents.
It's been in the family for about 30 years.
Jesus, what a lot of books.
What's on the program?
Practicing.
- Oh, OK.
Nice.
Cows.
Everyone...
...masturbates.
You too, don't you?
- None of your business.
In any case, you have to regard it...
...as the protagonist going through
an ex...
...istential...
...crisis.
Protagonist?
The hero of the book.
- Leontien.
Leonie.
- Whatever.
Well, that is rather important.
You must have read it?
Well, I...
Found it hard to get through,
to be honest.
How far did you get?
- Midway...
...chapter 1.
Look, I'm trying, OK?
It's just fucking thick and difficult.
Optimism, but she's in a crisis.
- Yes.
That's not possible at the same time.
- Of course it's...
Sexual es...
...capades.
Benjamin.
- Right. Benjamin.
Who becomes seedy
because of unrequited love.
Excessive sex.
- Suicide.
How's it possible
that you two are so different?
Look at those shoes.
Look at those shoes.
- What about them?
Ems.
Contradiction.
- Contradictio in terminis.
What?
- That you have... contradiction.
"And afterwards, on the same day,
in a caf in Heeg.
I hear my mother's voice.
Oh, death, thou art truth.
Closer to you."
That's written by Reve.
I'm here with Brigitte Hooijmakers,
the writer of "The Longing".
"The Longing" is your first novel.
A huge success.
In one sentence:
What is "The Longing" about?
It's about Leontien.
- Leonie.
You can remember one thing, can't you?
Just the name.
- It's about Leonie.
She's in a crisis.
She's going through difficult times.
She has excessive sex.
- What kind of crisis?
Just existential crisis.
Just one notion.
Just existential crisis.
- Not 'just'. And sit up straight.
Sit down.
- But she's slouching.
Know what? Do it yourself,
if you have all the answers.
Idiot.
- Idiot?
Come on. She'd barely said a sentence
and you're picking on her.
Never mind then.
Who wants more wine?
- I do.
Brigitte, come back.
- Where's the wine?
OK.
Unrequited love.
Emotional isolation.
- Existential crisis.
Suicide.
- Chuiside.
No, not 'chuiside' Suicide.
- Suicide.
Hey, Herman. No need to get up.
Don't be so nervous.
The Amstel Hotel.
Know how expensive that is?
In my day...
- In your day everything was better.
When writers still wrote
with pen and ink.
Have some faith in your sons.
Observation.
Peeping into people's bedrooms.
Pregnant, giving birth.
Don't keep it in.
What if they mention masturbation?
- As I said: emotional isolation.
With pride we present to you
the writer of this magnificent debut:
Brigitte Hooijmakers.
Good afternoon.
That music was their idea.
So this is it. My first one.
I was pregnant with it for five years,
not nine months.
Let's not talk about the delivery.
I thought we were having a small party...
...but Marc and Bo said
it had to be this way and here.
Well, like, they know best.
At least, that's what they think.
A number of you received
and read the book earlier.
I'm available for all your questions.
The lady over there.
Why did you feel the need
to write this book, madam?
You can call me Brigitte.
Well, the need...
It was a story that was deep inside of me.
And that had to be told.
I actually, like, couldn't keep it
inside of me.
I couldn't keep it inside of me.
Theo?
- Mrs. Hooijmakers, I read it...
...and there's something voyeuristic
about it. I mean that in a positive sense.
How do you see that?
Well...
You know...
I wrote this. I leave it up
to other people to judge it.
What was most important to me...
...was depicting the existential crisis
of my main character Leontien.
Leann.
Leann.
This is it for now.
There will be more time later
to take photos and ask questions.
Thank you.
Very good.
One thing's for sure: He can't even
boil an egg without his wife.
The literary world gathered
in the prestigious Amstei Hotel...
...for the presentation of the novel
"The Longing".
The spotlight was on newcomer
Brigitte Hooijmakers.
You look great.
She looked stunning
in her Mart Visser dress.
Nice that a writer can be well-dressed
after all.
Renting the Amstel Hotel for a first novel
is quite something.
I haven't read it yet, but...
- Too thick for you.
True. I don't like thick books.
But fair is fair: that woman looks like
she can go straight onto the catwalk.
I was blown away by that dress.
A gorgeous Mart Visser dress.
Queen Maxima has worn those heels before.
They looked good on her.
Do they say anything about the book?
- A book?
Did you talk to Herman?
- On the phone.
He's thrilled he doesn't have
to participate in this farce.
Three sentences and I was on the phone
for 30 minutes.
Hey,Bo.
Scenario 2.
What do we say to dad?
It was either this or go bankrupt, right?
Yeah.
- Come on, sweetheart, let it go.
Go for it and surrender.
It'll be fine.
- Yeah, that's what you're like.
Footloose and fancy-free.
Lover after lover.
I'm just not like that.
- No, you're into happily ever after.
That's why you divorced.
Did you finish it?
It would be nice...
- I'm trying.
Know how fucking thick it is?
I have to look up ten words
on every page.
Don't worry, it's fine.
Plenty of coverage,
the numbers are promising.
You know the themes,
you know how it ends.
But this is what it's all about.
- I'm nervous enough, thanks.
On channel 1, dad.
Or isn't that what you wanted to ask?
Nien, it's on 1.
Listen, Bo, I read it again this week
and discovered all sorts of new things.
It has an incredible maturity
and profundity.
I had my doubts about you two
having my instincts about books.
But this novel proves it.
Proud, proud, proud.
- Hear what your mom says?
Dad, we have to go in now.
Enjoy.
- OK. Bye, dad.
So there they were. In the acclaimed
cultural talk show of the Netherlands.
Boudewijn felt mostly pride.
He had succeeded in presenting
a masterpiece to a large audience...
...in the most conspicuous manner.
But Marc was struck by terror again.
Publishing House Goudemondt was,
in front of a million viewers...
...having a shoe salesgirl
represent herself...
...as a serious writer.
Questioned by the most popular interviewer
of the Netherlands.
Brigitte had heard a lot about
the dress style of Matthijs.
Everything always one size too small.
She wondered if that was true
for everything.
To the table.
Her first novel was recently published.
It's been called a masterpiece.
It deals with major themes:
death, sex, love, existential issues.
And all that in a debut.
With me is Brigitte Hooijmakers,
the writer of "The Longing". Welcome.
I'll show the viewers
how thick this book is.
This may be impossible,
but can you sum it up in three sentences?
The title says it all.
It's about longing.
For love in the first place,
but also for so much more.
I've read it and what I find so good
is that you're able...
...to describe bedrooms and living rooms
of various milieus with precision.
How do you do that?
Well, it's like...
For instance, when you look
at someone's shoes...
...you already know
what kind of person it is. Right?
I understand. But that voyeurism
reminded me immediately...
Maybe you too, Jan.
...of Nabokov. Of course.
This is Nabokov's echo.
Lolita complex. Humbert Humbert,
but then a woman.
Yeah, in a certain sense.
Matthijs, I received this book yesterday
at 2 pm and I couldn't put it down.
This is phenomenally well-written.
My compliments.
It's terrific for a first novel.
Where have you been all this time?
What do you think is
the most important passage, Jan?
The masturbation scene.
The climax.
We're getting more copies this afternoon.
The novel hit like a bombshell.
Whether you planned to read it or not...
...everyone wanted "The Longing"
on their bedside table.
For the first time in their lives,
Brigitte and Herman were seen.
Brigitte in the most literal way.
Every glossy put heron the cover.
And for Herman it seemed
to turn out all right too.
The book he'd worked on for so long
was being read.
He was being read.
He existed.
I raise my glass to a wonderful book
and a lovely writer.
An unbeatable combination.
To "The Longing".
- Cheers.
Before I show you some great numbers...
...about reprints and royalties
you'll be receiving soon...
...I'll first read what Aaron Golsteijn
wrote about the novel.
Aaron Golsteijn?
- Yes, he's a writer.
He wins a lot of awards.
He sells a lot of books.
Here: "A rare impressive debut.
Enviably well-written.
A book you can't put down.
A terrible moment:
You've finished The Longing."
What about those numbers?
Herman was brilliant.
And, like all writers, fond of money.
Brigitte was pretty and born to be
in the bright spotlights of the media.
A perfect combination,
based on huge contrasts.
Marc thought about
his failed relationship.
He and his ex liked the same things.
Read the same things, ate the same food,
shared the same opinions.
And yet it went wrong.
Are you still in touch?
- I wouldn't know what about.
Besides, she has someone else.
It'll be fine, mom.
How are your sugar levels?
- If I inject myself on time, just fine.
Dad's blood pressure had increased
considerably last time.
What's Brigitte like in person?
- She's a sweetheart.
A sweetheart?
- Does that sound weird?
A bit. For someone
who wrote a masterpiece.
Because she's a woman?
Hella Haasse was a sweetheart too.
And beautiful, in her day.
That's true.
"The sex was good.
More than good.
They preferred to do it quickly,
unsafe and loudly...
...in the toilet stall of a museum,
cinema or restaurant.
But in love?
No.
A superfluous impediment to the lust.
Leonie didn't want it.
Being in love wasn't an option.
Period."
Here you go,
- Thanks.
It's for my wife.
Could you dedicate it to:
For my eternal chaperone, Lies.
It's something from the old days.
She'll understand.
For my eternal...
Chaperone, you said?
- Yes.
Right.
Want to have that spelled
the French or the German way?
German?
Is it a German word as well?
- Sure. Didn't you know that?
Make it the French way.
The usual spelling?
Or how they spell it at the coast
at Montpellier and so on?
I know a nice campground there,
by the way.
No, just C-H-A-P-E-R-O-N-E.
Oh, right. Exactly.
Two thousand euros.
- What?
For one evening's reading.
- Gosh.
Not just for me, by the way.
Just so don't get any ideas.
Oh, those publishers get something too.
- Yes, something like that.
What you were reading about Leontien...
- Leonie.
That she closed herself off from love...
...that's actually autobiographical.
Right?
I just never meet anyone.
That wasn't exactly true.
The number of men
interested in Brigitte...
...had risen to a record level
since her success.
But it used to be
only about her appearance.
Nowadays, it was about her appearance
and her success.
Some wanted to discuss literature
with her.
Aaron Golsteijn makes it clear with Myra
that, even when she was a little girl...
...suffers from an intrinsic drive
that only becomes ostentatious later.
Other men were only interested
in her fame.
I saw Jort near here yesterday.
Imagine he'd run into Bram.
And sometimes it was just
the same old same old.
I think you're so incredibly,
so incredibly hot.
I seriously mean that,
from the bottom of this heart over here.
Oh, hey. Hey, hey, hey.
Man.
When she was honest to herself,
she felt more stupid than ever.
Even though she'd rehearsed
a good story about it...
...and read from it four evenings
a week...
...she still hadn't finished
reading "The Longing".
Especially because she didn't understand
most of what she read.
She decided she couldn't go on like this.
Language and Language Skills
Dutch
There you go.
- Bye.
Why don't they play some nice music
in a place like that?
Fifty thousand copies already, mom.
Fifty thousand.
Publishers of the Year
And is Marc enjoying it as well?
If you know what I mean.
I think he had one date,
but that's all he mentioned.
She probably said: 'duck tape'
instead of 'duct tape'.
While this successful publisher
can get any date he wants these days.
And your stomach?
- It's fine.
Doesn't hurt at all.
"Self-tormenting I see you bold as brass,
young as when I let happiness pass...
...that one night when I didn't kiss you."
Dead poets are dead.
Only 200 people still read that
and they get fewer by the year.
Show some respect, young man.
Some things never pass.
Is she working on something new?
The second book is always the hardest.
She's at it.
Did you hear they had to get her
a bodyguard?
It's necessary, dad.
She's being harassed.
And he drives her everywhere.
- It's a kick boxer.
A hot kick boxer.
The English ones are great,
so are the Americans.
They're magnificent.
What?
- The American Pit Bull.
It isn't your ordinary breed.
Sorry, Andr, I'm reading.
- Yeah, sure.
"She had to admit
that she enjoyed the battle.
The more she had Benjamin
in her power...
...the more aroused she was.
In the end, she decided
to erase him...
...like the line of a pencil."
Thank you, Mrs. Hooijmakers.
That was wonderful.
Any questions?
This might sound stupid,
but what kind of shoes are you wearing?
These are simple Gianvito Rossis,
but from the new collection.
A serious question, perhaps?
Where did you get the idea for Leonie?
I took a characteristic
that's in a lot of us and enlarged it.
It's about the emotional isolation
resulting in an existential crisis.
What do you mean
by emotional isolation...
...and how does the existential crisis
manifest itself?
For instance, her affair with Benjamin.
She loves him, doesn't she?
Or does she hate him?
It's like pumps.
I love them.
But after a day, my calves cramp up
and my feet are sore.
And then I hate them.
And yet I love them. Get it?
Right.
- Sure.
Bye.
Don't I know you?
- Yes, I'm often...
...in your...
...reading room.
And I live across the street from you.
- Do you?
If you're going that way anyway...
Gosh, I feel so emotional now.
That was beautiful, right?
Yes, and the interest...
...was overwhelming.
- That's not surprising.
Such a terrific book.
Probably the best in the past ten years.
And it really affects me.
It stirs up a lot of things in me.
Does it?
- Yes.
The first time I saw her on TV,
I thought she was a bimbo.
But I was wrong.
Brigitte is great.
She's... well, brilliant.
Right?
I'm not interested in the way she looks.
It's just that story.
How is it possible
that anyone can write that well.
It made me cry.
It made me laugh.
It was thrilling.
It aroused me sometimes.
Mit nach bei seit von zu aus.
So?
- I had to learn it by heart.
But I have no idea
what it was about.
In 1940 they conquered us
and now we'll conquer them...
...with you as our Luftwaffe.
Got your passport?
- Aren't you coming?
I have to go for a check-up.
Couldn't reschedule it.
- Too bad.
See you in a week.
Easy with the Schnapps
and those blond hunks over there.
Bye.
Do you like dogs?
- Me? I love dogs.
Really? Want to go for a coffee?
What's wrong?
Nothing.
So what are you looking at?
At my book?
- No.
I know what you think of me.
And that it was your brother's idea
and you didn't like it.
But I'm trying, dammit.
I took lessons in language
and literature.
Still trying to write myself.
Some respect, please.
Van Bommel.
What?
- Van Bommel.
That soccer player?
That man just now was wearing
Floris van Bommel.
He wore Floris van Bommel?
- Shoes.
Spain, Portugal, Italy,
Greece. Bagged them all.
I wanted to say...
...I know you're trying.
And, true, I didn't agree with my brother,
but now...
Not now, please. I'm exhausted.
There's a dinner with Dutch
writers and publishers.
But if you're too tired...
Congratulations.
- Thanks, man.
Robert Vuijsje and Mano Bouzamour.
What?
Hello, I'm Rita.
- Brigitte.
Hey, man.
Where did you get her?
She's gorgeous.
They did love you, those Krauts.
The rest of the world as well, though.
I think it went all right.
What about you?
- Very well.
We were there for eight hours
and I talked to at least three people.
Maybe I should have my hair
dyed blond too.
It would look good on you.
Ah, Mrs. Hooijmakers.
I'm Aaron. I'm a fan of yours.
You can call me Brigitte.
- Thank you.
I'm a fan of yours as well, Mr. Golsteijn.
Aaron.
It might be a nice evening after all.
Humans am Reva were on a mm
'm Pafls.
No one was allowed to know.
No photographers.
"And now the time was there.
Leonie only regarded Benjamin
as a broken-down fucking machine.
She was about to call
roadside assistance."
My favorite passage.
I find it interesting that your writing
is so male-like.
Ream
- Yes.
You think so?
In what way?
- The perspective.
Very masculine.
Myra is a girl as well
and you really get her too.
Reafly?
- I recognized a lot in her.
You had a complicated relationship
with your father as well?
Sorry, that might have been a bit...
- Don't worry, it's OK.
I hardly knew my father.
My mom raised me.
Before Brigitte knew, she told him
everything about her childhood...
...the difficult relationship
with her parents.
She felt that someone was finally
interested in her in a different way.
One of the few people
with whom she had someone in common.
Great reviews and high sales figures,
for instance.
Being in the media's spotlights
all the time.
Aaron found Brigitte a breath of fresh air
compared to other writers.
She was direct, simple and honest.
And, fortuitously, quite stunning.
"Outie outie outie boo."
BOO .
Hey, you didn't stutter.
No.
Good night.
Bye.
Golsteijn?
- Yes, she was reading Myra on the plane.
She liked it.
But does she have to jump his bones
right away?
But didn't he notice...
- Just as blind as everyone else.
Even Golsteijn is attracted to
an irresistible hot chick.
Great publicity:
the literary hot couple of the year.
Speaking of publicity:
there's something else.
Herman was here.
I don't understand you.
- Can't we...
...c0me up with something?
- We had a deal.
Brigitte Hooijmakers wrote "The Longing".
- No, I wrote "The Longing".
We know that and no one else
and that's how it remains.
Again: we had a clear deal.
You thought it was a great plan,
you signed and we did well by it.
Still, I want a kind of...
...recognition.
And?
What did you say?
- That it's impossible.
Yeah, I know what I said.
Commercially, it would be a great move.
And we wouldn't be able
to print quickly enough.
But, well, dad.
- He'll kill us.
Plus, I sold the translation rights
to 30 European countries.
The unique selling point was photo shoots
with our lovely writer.
That means claims.
Why is that lunatic suddenly interested
in that media circus?
It makes no sense.
A whim.
I'm not taking it seriously.
I'll call him.
Thirty countries? Really?
Man. Did that happen to you
with Rifka?
Rifka?
- I think she means Myra.
Is that what you mean?
- Well, not quite.
Do you like dogs?
Sump
' Digs.
Do you like them?
- Not really.
Andr is crazy about dogs.
Aren't you?
Actually only pit bulls.
The Americans.
I don't like the English that much.
I live in America.
- Really?
Do you know a place
for a good dog?
I don't think Aaron is into dogs, Andre'.
- Right. I'm afraid not.
But you're a kick boxer, right?
- Not at competition level anymore.
You have to keep it up.
- I thought it was a criminal sport.
Frankfurt was great.
A beautiful river, good food.
- Criminal sport?
A lot of sausages, though.
- But good sausages.
I love...
- What do you mean by criminal?
Anyway, you're in love?
That went fast.
I actually meant that your body
is a powerful weapon.
Fuck.
The shoe business is a great business.
It's just so labor intensive.
It's true. I used to box with a guy
who was friends with another guy...
...and he killed someone.
It labeled the sport.
Shall we get the bill?
- Killed? Wow.
I think I could do it too.
I'm sure, in fact.
We're settling the bill.
- Aha, so in a good kick boxer...
...there's a bit of a criminal.
Exciting. I'm jealous.
- Waiter?
Know what I've always dreamed of?
A bed & breakfast in Spain.
Huh?
- Yeah.
Your book triggered something in me.
So you read it?
- No. Well, the title.
You're weird.
This was so much fun.
- Yes, it was, sweetie.
Stupid Jew.
- You're not allowed to say that.
I'll beat you to a pulp.
You're fired.
- I don't give a shit.
Fired?
- Did you hear what he said?
Weirdo.
- Take him home. Now.
I never want to see you again.
Re?
Sorry.
- It's OK.
Wait till you meet my friends.
What are you doing here?
- I talked to Boudewijn on the phone...
...and I...
...I want to get rid of the deal.
- What?
Can I come in?
- No.
Who was that?
Hello?
Oh, a fan.
A hassle.
- Open up.
The price of fame.
Open that door.
Now.
His face on TV was his worst nightmare.
He'd be happy if, thanks to me,
over a 1000 books would be sold.
You have to do something.
You always do those sort of things.
Hey, Herman.
That's different from pretending
to be someone else.
Now what?
- I'll come up with something.
Like what?
- I'll call the lawyers.
These people have been in the business
for a 100 years...
...10 to 30 titles a year...
...good short stories,
delicate poetry album...
...the sun rises, the sun sets...
...slowly the old farmer counts his balls
and everything remains the same.
And look at it now.
Don't show anything.
- Of course not.
Don't talk about anything.
Act cheerful.
How wonderful to be filled with pride
at my age...
...with such successful...
Ouch.
- What's wrong?
Why don't you go inside.
It's nothing. Bad mussel.
Dad, how nice of you...
- There.
...to come by.
I've just been to the doctor.
Fortunately, we still have the same one.
- But...
Things don't look good
with your stomach again, do they?
That can mean only one thing:
problems in the business.
How do you know that? Did he...
- But you claim everything is great.
I don't fall for everything, you know.
I have 40 years of experience.
What do you mean, dad?
- What's going on with that country bimbo?
That fake writer.
Fake writer?
- Who wrote that book?
Who?
But, dad...
- Have a seat.
What if this gets out?
I'll look like an idiot
in the publishing world.
Goudemondfs reputation will be ruined.
Let alone the claims abroad.
We'll never get another job again.
- We?
The world has changed, dad.
- Who wrote that book?
Some creep who lives near Arnhem.
Maybe you should sit down.
- I'm not sitting down.
I knew it, though.
I knew it from the very first day.
So why didn't you say anything?
- Because of your mom.
The disgrace that her sons are con men.
I don't know if she can handle it.
She has diabetes, remember?
But you're going to deal with it
and you're going to deal with it fast.
Before it gets completely out of hand.
Mom and her diabetes?
I'm glad he's still standing.
My brother's a hypochondriac.
He's fine.
It's all in his mind.
- Acute ulcer.
Five days complete bed rest.
Any news?
- No.
Between now and three days I want...
...a solution.
- I'm on my own.
We taught you to think for yourself.
We have to do something. Fast.
- I get that.
He regrets it, Bri.
- I get that.
He'd love to work for you again.
He'll do anything you say.
How hard can it be?
There are three parties.
We have airtight contracts.
He doesn't have a leg to stand on.
- That will make him think twice.
I don't give...
...a Shit.
But there's no way back.
Sounds like you have a problem.
Well...
- That kick boxer. I've already forgotten.
I adore your milieu.
Always have.
He regrets it so much.
I'm sure he's a nice guy, deep down.
- You don't mean that.
He'll do anything.
You let your wife run away.
You let your brother come up with
insane plans and you don't do anything.
What did I do wrong raising you?
Anything.
Hello.
Bu?
Bu?
Pain, pain.
Bo.
- He's very ill.
Can't you see that?
I finished it.
What?
Yeah, come in.
- The book. I finally finished it.
Good. But...
Page 753. At the bottom.
"Leonie withdrew for the umpteenth time
on the deserted island oi masturbation."
Page 754, I mean.
"After many journeys
and long sleepless nights...
...Leonie knew there was only
one solution.
A delicious solution.
A merciless solution.
A decisive, definite, untimely solution.
No longer plagued by fear
or other inhibitions...
...she walked to the edge
of the railway platform.
In the distance she heard the rumble
of a fast-approaching train."
No.
- My former driver, that kick boxer...
He'll do it just like that.
One small push. No one will notice.
Everyone knows that suicide...
...happens a lot.
It's even in the book.
I don't believe my ears.
What kind of hooligan mentality is this?
Yes, it's...
...Herman.
Why aren't you returning my call?
I want to talk to you. Now.
And I don't hear anything...
...from your brother either.
Call me today, or else...
...I'll visit you with a lawyer.
Tu casa es mi casa?
My friend wants to start
a B&B in Spain.
She'll take Andre' with her
and we won't see him for a long time.
A monthly allowance and that's it.
Marc, that guy's insane.
That's probably why he wrote
such a deranged book full of sex and death.
We've never really talked about that.
- About what?
What you think of the book.
- Probably because I hadn't read it yet.
I'm not sure I understand it yet,
but...
...it has something to do with me
in some weird way.
The longing for something.
Something else.
For everything you lost.
Or something you never had.
Without longing you're nothing.
Or no one.
But at the same time
it can lead to...
...death.
I've wanted to be a writer
for a long time.
A real writer.
When my parents were busy
beating each other up...
...I sat in a corner making up stories.
With myself as the main character.
A very clever girl.
With glasses and short hair.
My ex left me because she felt
I wasn't able to make decisions.
That can't have been
the only reason.
Maybe not.
But it was her argument.
How long were you together?
Eight years.
Eight years.
My relationships never took that long.
- Lasted.
Huh?
It's 'lasted'.
Sorry, I'm really into it.
- OK.
But I'm doing better, right?
A lot better.
But... was she right?
About not being able to make decisions.
For my brother everything is clear
and straightforward.
I just see too many grey areas.
Everything has so many sides.
There are pros and cons.
Every argument has a counter-argument.
There isn't one truth.
That's just so you.
'80'. 'Like'. What is it?
Of course there's one truth.
Is there?
- Yes.
For instance...
...one shoe is nice and the other isn't.
Take your shoes.
They're ugly-
- Are they?
Did your ex buy you those?
- No.
And, by the way, she wasn't right.
I can make decisions.
You were talking about
your former driver.
Brigitte met with Andr.
She made up a story
about a dangerous lunatic.
A creep who had threatened her.
That the police was useless.
That she was at her wit's end
and wanted to get rid of that man...
...in such a way that it would look
like suicide.
Andre' had his doubts.
But when Brigitte said that her stalker
kicked a dog to death some weeks ago...
...and that Andr would get
a huge sum of money for this job...
...he said he'd think about it.
As soon as possible. I'm in a hurry.
That man is creepy and dangerous.
Do you really want to go to Spain
for a B&B?
Yeah.
- Really, really?
Of course.
- And...
Want to go with me?
Schutte.
- Hey, Herman.
Hello.
- Hey.
We were thinking that if you
were able to come to Amsterdam tonight...
...then...
...then we'll take care of it.
- So you came up with something?
Seriously?
- Yes.
Which train are you taking?
Why?
- Because.
8.15 pm, or...
Listen, a ticket costs me...
- Yes, so you said.
OK, see you tonight.
- OK.
"Leonie stood there.
She looked at the dark tracks
that wouldn't lead anywhere anymore.
The yawning emptiness reminded her...
...of the time she sat
in front of the mirror...
...nude and with legs wide apart
and..."
"She'd expected to feel bitter.
Bitter about that abundance
of good intentions...
...entire lies and half truths
that had led to her standing there."
"What she was about to do
was pointless, of course.
Although...
There might be more meaning in death
than in life."
"She reflected that
for the first time in her life...
...she was going to do
something irrevocable.
And so for the first time
was also for the last time."
This isn't right. Cancel it. Now.
Hello?
- OK.
So hang up.
- OK.
Jesus.
Fuck.
Yes?
- He isn't answering.
How's that possible?
- I don't know.
I can't make it tonight.
We'll have dinner tomorrow evening.
Yes, but listen that's not... No.
Honestly. We'll take care of everything.
You have my word.
A murder attack.
Marc couldn't believe
he'd even considered it.
He thanked God that he'd seen the light
on time.
But it had become obvious that real,
legitimate action had to be taken.
What are you...
- Feeling better?
You're better, right?
- No, not completely.
Coming?
I need you.
I was ill.
- It's not as if you were unconscious.
I called you at least 80 times.
- I don't know if your stomach...
Bullshit. You were happy
to be offline for a while.
If you give me a day to recover,
I'll call Herman and...
It's useless.
What do you mean?
- It's over.
Jesus, Marc, why there?
Dad tells mom.
Mom makes soup.
With mom's soup everyone will be
eating out of their hands.
That way he hopes to win Herman over,
so we can make a deal...
...and take care of everything at once.
I don't know if I can be there.
- Yes, you can.
Just take some extra pills or something.
Did you sell it to Brigitte?
- She's on board. Cool broad.
While Aaron cheerfully talked about
the latest literary gossip...
...Brigitte knew it was over.
She also knew that it had been
inevitable from the beginning.
Aaron had fallen in love
with the writer of "The Longing"...
...who looked like Brigitte.
What's wrong?
Aaron, I...
You want to call roadside assistance.
- What?
Are we through?
Go ahead, tell me.
Why?
Because I'm different.
- We knew that.
A lot different.
I'm not really a writer.
Like you. I...
- I don't get it.
What do you mean?
- Well...
I do write, but not...
Just spit it out.
- I didn't write "The Longing".
Jesus.
What an...
...incredibly...
...cheap excuse to get rid of me.
Did you really think
I'd fall for that?
Have it your way.
Your mom doesn't know yet.
- What?
So why are we here?
- Soup was the magic word.
It didn't work. OK.
I tried a few times,
but I was too ashamed to say it.
You caused this,
so you tell her.
Then we'll leave.
- No, we do it now.
You take her aside and tell her.
- But...
That's how we'll do it.
Hi, sweetheart.
Hi, son.
Everything is practically without pepper,
especially for you.
Are you sure you can eat everything again?
- Carefully.
I've got good medication.
- Oh, dear.
It's so nice that our bestseller writer
is coming for dinner.
What about that other gentleman?
Is he her manager?
What does it feel like?
Ruining everything.
Just.
- Just?
Without me, not even six books
would have been sold.
Without me, you'd still be...
...in a third-rate shoe shop.
Arrogant jerk. We had a deal.
- You are...
...a stupid bimbo.
And you'll always will be.
At a reading of my book
you start babbling about shoes.
Welcome.
- So you are the founder...
...of Goudemondt?
- No, my father was.
But I built Goudemondt
into what it is now.
Ah, Brigitte. Our miracle writer.
- Mrs. Goudemondt.
Mr. Schutte?
- Madam.
Nice that all of you could make it.
Dinner's ready.
Bo, can you give me a hand?
I'll do it.
- That's fine too.
Mom...
- Yes, sweetheart.
There's something you have to know.
Finally a new woman in your life.
Tell me later.
No, now.
- No, later.
Soup's getting cold. Guests are waiting.
You bring those.
There you go.
Bon apptit.
- Bon apptit.
What about the film?
Isn't there going to be
a screen version of the book?
Yes, they're working on it.
The director wanted the writer
to play a part.
But we didn't think that was a good idea.
- No.
Usually, the book is a lot better.
I'm not so sure about Dutch filmmakers.
YES, I...
...agree with you completely.
Pum...
Pum...
Pum...
Pum... gum... gum...
Pum... pumpkin soup...
...delicious...
...madam.
Thank you.
But...
...anyway...
Herman and Brigitte...
...mom, we're actually here to...
Jesus.
Herman...
Herman...
Herman...
Herman loved literature.
He liked to recite poems
and the classics.
He also liked astronomy, judging by
the large telescope I found in his...
Jeanne said a few words
about her former neighbor...
...who had died so suddenly
of a cardiac arrest.
Rest in peace, dear neighbor.
Brigitte made it clear to Andr...
...that he could forget
about his monthly allowance...
...if he ever breathed a word
about their failed plan.
Yes, you can remove everything.
DENIAL
You probably thought that at Goudemondt
they have a nose for talent.
You could be right.
This is it.
Brigitte had written down her tragic
relationship with Aaron Golsteijn.
And asked Marc to read it.
I'll read it.
Hey, are you relieved?
What do you mean?
- That it's over.
That hassle with Brigitte and so on.
Of course.
What do you mean 'over'?
Do you think I'm stupid?
You and those two monkeys.
In those 40 years when you were the boss,
I read everything you published.
And I went to all the presentations.
Maybe you remember.
Did you think I didn't know
what was up?
With that pretty girl.
I'd seen that man in the Amstel Hotel,
with the port-wine stain.
I thought: I don't know him,
is he new?
But a new journalist
who's nearly 60?
And he didn't have a journalist look
in his eyes.
Yes, but...
- And then you all came for dinner.
With that man.
You'd been stressed out for weeks.
Did you think I wouldn't notice?
Bo in hospital with his stomach.
What are you trying to tell me?
- That man wanted to ruin us, Alfred.
The business, Marc and Bo
and you with it.
I couldn't let that happen.
Before the doctors think about
an overdose of insulin...
...the traces will have left his blood.
And you can't detect it...
...in combination with pumpkin soup.
Hungry yet?
And?
'I D I
You know that I think you're great.
But?
You're not a writer.
It has some nice things in it, but...
- Stop.
Nice things?
You have to keep trying, though.
I'm sorry.
You'll manage for a long time
on "The Longing".
Just take your time.
One day it will come.
And for now the world is still convinced
you're a genius.
Including my mother.
Know what? I think you prefer
to be with a real writer.
Bri, I didn't mean it like that.
I already said I think you're great.
- Is that right?
Just because of who you are.
- A vulgar shoe girl?
Do you believe that yourself?
But I...
Maris?
Ream?
Hot? Nice.
A lot of customers yet?
No?
Oh, right. No.
Maybe...
...people are a bit scared
of his dog.
Yes, I'll visit soon.
Tu casa es mi casa, right?
Don't know that expression?
I said: Tu casa es mi...
One more thing.
- Give me back my phone.
We were talking about truth, remember?
- You rubbed my nose in it just now.
If you're about...
- Van Bommel.
What?
- Floris van Bommel.
I don't follow.
- You were right. These are beautiful.
They're from last year's collection.
Did you buy shoes
especially for me?
They're so comfortable.
Marc liked classic literature,
pumpkin soup...
...beautiful sentences
and no language errors.
Brigitte was different.
They actually had nothing in common.
But when we talk about love,
we may long...
...differences more than similarities.
That's why all stories are the same,
but also just a little bit different.
And as a great writer once said:
When you wear the right shoes
you can combine everything.