Henri, do you take Lise for your wife
and promise to remain faithful
in the good times and the bad,
to love her all the days of your life?
And now I ask Samuel,
witness and the bride's brother
to come forward and sign the register.
My daughter, Claire.
She was beautiful.
Beautiful and still so young.
I want to tell my dear partner,
and secondarily my brother,
that we all share this affection for him.
Happiness and long life.
It's important to feel you here, so close.
As you've been these four years.
Faithful in joyful moments as in tragic ones.
You all know, I long believed
I'd never recover.
I had neither the strength nor the will.
And then, and then…
I met Lise.
Chance?
Providence?
Destiny.
I thank Antoine Vasseur, Claire's father,
for agreeing to be my best man.
It's important to me.
You know Antoine,
Claire is, in a way, always with me.
I'm not starting a new life, as they say,
but I'm going on,
in my own way.
Where did he find her?
I have no idea.
Is she a student?
She's the right age.
It seems to agree with him.
He's in form.
Let's hope it lasts.
It happened a bit quickly.
Stop worrying about him.
How did they meet?
We were wondering about how you met.
Do you know The Diamond?
It's a club for men,
rich men.
They come for a drink,
to talk with girls
who make them feel fantastic,
attractive,
and that they want them.
They pay, they go to bed and all's well.
But with Henri it wasn't like that.
That's the mystery of our meeting.
Nothing went as predicted.
That's right. Nothing went as predicted.
A real fairy tale.
How reassuring it's possible.
And the fairy tale goes on?
In Venice. We leave tomorrow.
Lise.
Stop.
I'll write.
I'll write to you every day.
I promise.
THREE MONTHS EARLIER
It comes to 800 square meters.
Five bedrooms with bathrooms.
But the real luxury, if I may…
is this.
It's wonderful.
The Jacuzzi is next door.
It's perfect. Exactly what I'm looking for.
Large, quiet, bright.
It's luxury real estate.
And there's Geneva, at your feet.
The view is priceless.
Or almost.
My new offices are nearby. It's all happening here.
Indeed.
I like it. Can I return with my wife?
No problem, Mr. Clairman.
I'm at your disposition.
You can see it on our site, as well.
Thank you.
Allow me to show you the kitchen.
Of course.
I'm coming.
I want this to change.
It will change, Lise.
When I'm old and ugly will you love me?
Certainly not.
I hate you.
Nicked off a Russian.
Not bad.
Where would Madam like to go?
The casino?
Place your bets.
If we win we go to the States.
Play 11.
Or to Mexico.
Australia!
All three.
Rien ne va plus.
Eight, impair et manque.
Drop it. They pick who wins.
Wait, we'll do it again.
-Come on. -I've got a feeling.
Here. Think USA.
Place your bets.
May I join you?
I believe you already have.
Why?
You're planning a trip, I see.
Go on. It's yours.
Do you play often?
Only on lucky nights.
Rien ne va plus.
Twenty-one red, impair passe.
-Shall we share? -Definitely not.
Look!
Thanks to the gentleman.
-Mister…? -Henri Schaeffer.
Sam.
My brother.
I'll wait for you outside.
And you?
What's your name?
-Stop looking at me like that. -I'm sorry.
You should watch out.
Shall we play again?
Another time.
Can I drive you home?
Look.
Geneva at our feet.
Do you forgive me?
It's true you're like my brother.
My little brother.
When it's convenient for you.
I'm coming for a drink.
You know I don't like that.
Like what?
I just don't, that's all.
Not doing what you want?
Good evening.
Would you like a table?
Follow me.
I'll get you some champagne.
Disappointed?
A bit too much makeup.
A needless costume.
Ridiculous wig.
My work outfit.
Let's go somewhere else.
I finish around three.
Fine.
I'll wait.
But with you. At this table.
I haven't touched a woman in ages.
You're not married?
Most of the men here are.
They want a kick, not an encounter.
I came to see you. Not to get anything.
My wife died four years ago.
I'm sorry.
You needn't be. Quite the contrary.
Who's that guy?
Who?
The guy from the casino. Who is he?
Henri.
You call him Henri?
Lots of people do. It's his name.
Like you're Sam, he's Henri.
Yeah, fine. Stop.
I'll stop when you get me out of here.
We've always managed before.
Lise.
It's Henri…
Henri Schaeffer.
See, we've just parted and I'm calling!
I really enjoyed our talk.
It's stupid.
It hasn't happened to me for so long.
I don't know how to say…
Well, I do, in fact.
I do know how to say it:
I'm thinking about you, Lise.
I'm thinking about you.
So there.
I want to see you again.
But differently. You understand.
I want…
I want the real Lise.
Call me.
When does he come?
Stop it.
Answer. When does he come?
He comes often.
Every night?
Except Thursdays.
Really? And why not Thursdays?
Because Thursday's golf night.
-Come on. -Golf?
The jerk!
He's hooked.
What've you done to him?
Henri's my best client. He asks for nothing.
He pays and asks for nothing.
We had a rule: No client outside the club.
Are you jealous?
It's different with Henri.
Different, why's that?
Because I have a plan.
A plan?
What is it?
Trust me.
Order the truffles. It's the season.
The chef's a genius. We golf together.
-You like golf? -Not at my age.
Not so! Like anything, you need the right introduction.
In my case, my father taught me all. My trade, golf.
I can call you Sam?
Three tasting menus.
You're splendid.
I'm not up for the truffle.
You'll love it.
Lise says you're in real estate?
That's right.
I love it.
That's good. It's exciting.
Do you have an agency?
I look and find.
Here?
On the French side.
And rightly so.
Your sister told me how much you mean to her.
That's why I want you here at this intimate moment.
Lise,
would you be my wife?
Château Yquem 2005, please.
Isn't this is a bit quick?
My brother says I'm mad.
But I can't wait any longer.
I won't be long.
Take advantage to think. In fact…
There's no need to. It's yes.
Yes, Clément.
So, how did it go?
Let's split.
Calm down, Sam.
I'm calm. I'm very, very calm.
What are you playing at?
This is our big chance.
-Chance? -To change it all.
Our life is just fine, as long as we're together.
You trust me?
Of course I trust you.
So listen to me.
I worked it out.
-I'll marry Henri. -Stop!
I'll be the perfect wife.
Who drives her husband mad.
I'll get a job. I'll work twice as hard.
-His obsession. -Shut up!
I love you.
I love you, Sam.
I'M THINKING OF YOU. LOVE FROM VENICE. LISE
Who is it?
It's Sam. Lise's brother.
I mean, Madam's.
I've informed Madam.
I remember quite well.
That's irrelevant.
Because at the time he wanted to do the same.
Exactly the same, as you know very well.
Clément!
How are you?
Your hair…
Like it?
It's Henri's idea.
I miss you.
Me too.
Did you see my present?
Henri planned it for our return.
There was even a ribbon on the car.
Here. For you.
I'm here because your plan has a follow-up.
Play it out, Sam.
You think I'm having fun?
I can't bear that guy touching you.
I've had ten days in hell.
Remember the Barretti estate? And the near audit?
Clément!
Pay what we owe. Period.
See you later.
Ciao.
Sam! How are you?
Let's be informal. It's easier.
My golf partner's canceled.
I'm kidnapping you.
Can I borrow him?
I thought this out on our trip.
You'll work for the family.
Which means?
For me.
Well, for Clément too.
For the office.
You agree, surely?
I've got my own work.
I know, I know.
But I'd like to help you out.
It's simple:
Some clients dislike publicity and prefer to pay cash.
Hence a delivery and cash pickup.
Go on, your turn.
We need someone totally reliable.
And family's best.
And you get a percentage.
I'll have to see.
Bend the knees.
The legs a bit closer together.
Arms in.
Ass out.
Not bad at all.
Relax.
Not bad. Obviously that's just to start.
If it goes well we can plan something more stable.
How are you?
Tell me, are you still looking?
I'm prospecting.
Large, quiet, bright.
Right. I'll come see you soon.
At your service.
Sometimes I look for busy clients.
It's clear. You'll work for the family.
You know, Lise is a good person.
Yeah, I know.
I mean I'm learning each day.
It happened so fast. I could've been disappointed.
It's crazy. Like I was stealing back time.
And if so?
If she let me down?
I'll be honest, Sam.
When you have money, you've got lots of friends. Lots.
Yeah, I suppose.
And you know what?
Lise asked for nothing.
She was there. She listened.
It did me a lot of good.
I know, let's not lie. It was her job.
But I felt something else.
Her too. You see?
A bond. Something sincere.
That's rare.
Anyway…
This is between us.
While we were at The Diamond nothing happened.
Sexually speaking.
-That's deep. -Very.
I didn't want it that way. As a client.
That's why you proposed to her?
To fuck her?
Have you lost it?
We spoke a lot in Venice.
About your folks.
It's terrible.
Terrible.
I wanted to see you.
What's going on?
To apologize.
You know what it costs?
I want to move faster.
It's too soon.
Now you can golf with Henri.
I can't stand him anymore.
Me neither.
You'll need to really love me.
Ladies and gentlemen, we continue.
This is lot 244
of the Preyer estate.
A magnificent jewel.
A ring in platinum and yellow gold,
embellished with a radiant cut jonquil diamond.
For this rarity, let's start with 40,000 francs.
Fifty for Madam.
Fifty-five thousand.
Remember, this ring is of exceptional purity.
Sixty thousand. Bravo, Madam.
I see it on your finger.
Sixty-five thousand.
Sorry, not yet. We have 65 called in on the phone.
Seventy from the back.
Seventy-five on the phone.
Eighty thousand for Madam.
Eighty-five.
Ninety thousand for Madam.
Ninety-five thousand on the phone.
Madam?
That symbolic barrier?
Sir,
it's proof of eternal love. Don't stop so close.
One hundred thousand! Bravo. One hundred thousand, once.
One hundred thousand, twice.
Three times.
Sold. 100,000 Swiss francs for the gentleman.
We'll move on to lot 245.
This sale has in store
more surprises.
As this ordinary revolver.
A seven millimeter
bought in 1873 in Brussels.
The purpose it served gives this revolver its unique value.
Paul Verlaine is crushed.
His liaison with Rimbaud has no future.
One evening a shot goes off.
Rimbaud falls down.
We'll start at 20,000 francs.
So, 20,000. Who will do better?
All right, 25,000 on the phone.
Thirty thousand. Bravo, monsieur.
Ah. Still hesitating.
Forty thousand on the phone.
Forty-five thousand.
Perfect.
Sit down.
Have you had lunch?
So, did it go well?
There, you see.
It wasn't complicated.
So we'll do it again?
If you like.
What's this?
Sam kindly made a delivery.
You should have told me.
It's just logistics. Of no importance.
I care about who carries our items.
As well as our money.
It's okay. It's Sam.
Is it this refound youth that's turned you so naïve?
Thank you Louise. We'll manage.
What are the two of you up to?
We've a client who likes his purchases
delivered within an hour.
Compulsively impatient?
He collects arms of celebrities or from famous crimes.
What a strange passion.
Lawrence of Arabia's dagger,
Napoleon's hunting rifle, Gavrilo Princip's pistol…
Whose?
Gavrilo Princip's.
Oh, the anarchist.
The anarchist who shot the Archduke of Austria in 1914.
Two bullets that started a world war.
Henri, I don't want this to happen again. Ever.
What's this about?
You talk to me, we decide. That's how it works.
All right.
Get some distance.
And I don't trust your new friends.
Maybe you forget, Lise is not a friend,
but my wife. Hence consequently
Sam is my brother-in-law.
Well then…
A toast to the family's good health.
Are you interested in art, Samuel?
Yeah. A little.
It's an artist I've long shown in the gallery.
If you don't mind, I forgot a cup.
I don't remember if this was from Henri or Clément's time.
You didn't know?
Before marrying Henri, Claire was engaged to Clément.
An ephemeral engagement.
Just a springtime.
A mad love.
That's the word, all right.
A mad love.
Clément left to go golfing in Italy.
Claire came back in his bags.
Their passion was clear to see.
They were engaged in a rush, like kids.
It was lovely to see.
Claire was a work of art.
No one could resist her.
No man, nor woman either.
Above all, not Henri.
Beauty always fascinated him.
To the Devil with the consequences.
I'm boring you with this.
No, go on.
When Clément was born, people whispered.
You know.
Clément not being his father's son.
His mother had an affair with another man.
A German industrialist, a family friend.
Schaeffer Senior quickly covered that all up.
And the child was duly recognized and raised.
But apparently without love.
Without warmth, like…
how should I say?
Like a bastard.
Deep down
he never felt anything for Clément other than a form of contempt.
A constant reminder of the failure,
the betrayal.
Clément was driving the car.
Claire died instantly.
It was no accident.
What are you saying?
Clément never renounced my daughter.
And was mad enough to die with her.
Why did she choose Henri?
Henri knows how to handle women.
Look at your sister.
A 25-year gap!
No one forced Claire.
I forced her.
I was in business with Mr. Schaeffer, Senior.
He did me a great favor.
I couldn't refuse anything.
So, when his beloved son wanted Claire's hand…
It was like a business deal.
Tit for tat.
Her last photo.
You knew. You knew and said nothing.
It's nothing. It's just them.
I could pity the jerk.
His brother betrays him. And he stays.
Wait.
-Come on. -No, stop!
End of! Let's go.
Stop. We can't turn back now.
You forgot your commission.
I've one tomorrow. I'm counting on you!
What's going on?
I don't know what's up with him.
He has to learn to live without you.
I'm fine with you.
I'm sorry Miss, but I'm married.
I want it to last forever.
Count on me.
-Say you love me. -You know it.
Tell me.
I love you.
"A little sister for you."
My folks said "A little sister."
We knew nothing about her.
She came from nowhere.
She was placed with us.
And I swear, it was like a…
It was like a gift.
I think that's when I was born.
I understood that "love" was her.
Understand?
Fanny, you're wanted.
She's lucky to have you.
In fact, we were the same person without knowing it.
Even brothers and sisters, even twins don't have that.
When she breathes, I breathe.
When she's cold, I'm cold.
When she's not there,
I'm not there.
I want something that distorts the voice.
Distorts the voice?
The vocoder.
Light, professional, works on batteries.
Turn it on,
it changes the voice and records.
It changes the voice and records.
You fucking asshole, Henri Schaeffer.
What did you think?
That you could buy a girl like Lise?
That your bread could buy her?
You're really an asshole.
Now you pay.
You missed three today.
I know.
Are you tired?
I'm just fine. I've never felt so well.
Lise…is going to have a baby.
Well? Isn't that wonderful?
Well, you didn't waste any time.
What's this about a kid?
It didn't look like a bluff.
Fuck your explanations.
This is your plan!
One: Marry Henri. Done! Two: Get him hooked. Done!
Now we go to three. Okay?
No, I can't. I can't wait any longer. I can't.
I don't want to see him. Get it?
We finish up or I spill it all.
You've no choice! Do it!
We'll be back at nine.
You okay?
Great.
I need you tomorrow.
A delivery on the French side.
Tomorrow I can't.
Well, they're good clients, and I'm jammed.
I'm busy. I've got my life.
One for the road?
To toast the news.
But don't let on you know.
Lise will enjoy telling you.
Sweetheart, we're here.
Help yourself. I'll be right back.
Sweetheart. Are you there?
Lise! Answer!
-What's going on? -I don't know.
Maybe she went out.
On foot?
With all the lights on?
Lise, are you here?
What did I do with it?
Give me your cell, please.
It was my last call.
Oh?
When did you call her?
I don't know, we were at the club.
You called from the club?
She left a message while we were playing.
About what?
Nothing really.
Just about dinner.
-Why didn't she call me? -Ask her.
IF YOU WANT HER ALIVE, STAY AT HOME.
DON'T TELL ANYONE.
I'm paying nothing.
I won't play their game.
It's no game, Henri.
It's Lise.
I'll call Clément.
Keep Clément out of this.
They contacted you.
It's a man-to-man deal.
Clément can only screw it up.
You're not wrong.
"If you want her alive, stay at home."
"Don't tell anyone."
Follow the instructions.
He won't ask for the earth.
Sell a couple things, it's done.
Why do you say "he"?
What?
You say "he" like he's alone.
Why not a few?
What's the difference?
I'm not selling anything.
-How's that? -I can't.
Because none of this is mine.
What's that?
It's a complicated story.
The money, business, paintings… They're not mine.
Well, not just mine.
They're Clément's as well.
Our father did that.
We're tied together.
Indivisible. Handcuffed together.
And do you know why?
Until he died, the poor old man claimed Clément was his son.
To avoid the slander catching up to him after his death.
But don't you have bread?
All your deals under the table?
What does that mean?
You're going to fold?
Bugger your brother!
You think he'll stop me saving Lise?
I'll give my life for her.
Fuck what your bastard brother says.
Damn him!
I'll give my life.
And you?
You say you love her?
But you love yourself.
She's young and beautiful. You used her to look good.
Lise is my life.
She's carrying my child.
Then you have to pay.
What are you waiting for?
Henri, it's Clément.
No, I'm not coming in. Go by yourself. I'm not well.
Don't count on me today.
Coffee?
If you want your wife back alive, we suggest you cooperate.
Listen carefully.
Tomorrow at dawn
you get in your car, alone, with two million euros.
Two million euros.
You go toward Hermance.
At Hermance, go along the river.
You'll pass an old manor. Park at the end of the road.
After the big dead tree,
go straight down to the river.
Then
we'll take over from there.
Come alone.
Don't try to play smart.
Any problem,
we kill your wife.
Imagine his face when it dawned on him.
He was shouting your name all over the house.
He said nothing else?
I don't know.
He looked completely lost.
Really?
At first he wouldn't pay.
As his brother owns half of everything.
Did you know that?
Then he says something dumb like,
"Lise is my life."
Like he was almost blubbering.
He did, a bit, but got it together.
He isn't the type to show his feelings.
You sure knew how to get to him.
He wouldn't listen to anything. So I provoked him a bit.
You know,
"Not paying means you don't love her."
Come forward slowly. Arms spread out.
Stop.
Stay where you are.
Put the case on the ground and open in clear view.
I want to see Lise.
Show me the money.
Go on.
They want me to verify the money.
-What have you done? -What? I don't understand.
Show me the money!
Show me the money.
There's nothing to see!
What do we do, Sam?
Why the fuck did you say my name?
I don't know.
I don't know. He's got to be silenced.
Put an end to it.
We made love in your beautiful car.
And then we drank.
We drank too much, Henri.
I fell asleep. I felt fine.
And you got out.
Why did you go to the lake, drunk like that?
I never saw you again, Henri.
Maybe you called me.
I didn't hear.
I was asleep.
That's what I'll tell the police, Henri.
You should get some rest.
It does no good, waiting there.
Trust my experience.
I can't sleep.
Are you all right, Sam?
Yes. And you?
We're dealing with it.
Any news?
From who?
The search.
You know how deep the lake is?
Three hundred meters.
As long as they haven't found…
I admire your optimism. And with Henri
you always had hopes.
When he suffers a lot he gets nasty.
Or when he drinks too much.
What's wrong? I left fifteen messages.
I was sleeping.
How are you doing?
It's best not to see each other for a while.
That wasn't the plan.
I know, Sam.
But nothing went as planned.
So we have to talk.
I need some quiet. A few days.
Clément called.
Are you there?
What does he want?
I don't know. To see me.
What do we do?
You're a grownup. Decide for yourself.
It's your plan, remember.
I'm tired.
I'll come by after.
No, leave me alone.
I love you, Sam.
If you want your wife back alive, we suggest you cooperate.
Listen carefully.
You get in your car, alone, with two million euros.
Two million euros.
You go toward Hermance.
At Hermance, go along the river.
You'll pass an old manor.
Park at the end of the road.
After the big dead tree,
go straight down to the river.
Then we'll take over from there.
Come alone.
Don't get any smart ideas.
Any problem, we kill your wife.
Who wants to hear the story of the rich widower
and the poor orphan?
The widower is alone
and the orphan knows what to do.
Abandoned,
fostered child,
soon under a rain of blows,
handled by many men,
she looks for a protector.
She finds a child like herself.
A young loser.
Not really brother, not really sister.
Already united in lies
and duplicity.
So Sam, do you buy this story?
Or do I put it under the hammer for the law?
What do you want?
I want Lise. In return for my silence.
And you disappear.
The auction begins.
Your Honor, Inspector.
My silence against Lise.
Going once.
Twice.
Three times.
Going, going, gone!
I want to see Lise!
It's the chance we've dreamed of,
to change everything. It's the chance, Sam.
Trust me.
Of course I trust you.
There's nothing to see!
What do we do, Sam?
My silence against Lise.
Going, going, gone!
And you disappear.
You were right. About every bit of it.
What does he want?
Well, come on.
He wants Lise.
And what else?
That I disappear.
No. She wants you to disappear.
You understand, Sam?
Like we said.
Why don't you do it yourself?
I can't.
Stop Sam, stop!
It's Clément. You understand?
And Lise. Using you!
I spoke to my brother.
I had to have his consent.
We decided to pay.
I counted it all.
Above all, no arrogance. Bow to them.
The police will follow you discretely.
They'll move in at the last moment.
The cops were to leap in. It was his plan.
It was Clément's plan!
What's this?
I've faith in you, don't worry.
And it's our money.
They'll give you Lise back.
I couldn't think.
I feared losing her, and the baby.
She unmasked you.
What do we do, Sam?
You get it? "Sam." To trap you.
You couldn't turn back.
Why the fuck did you say my name?
-Stop! -It's the truth, Sam.
Put an end to it.
She used you
and Clément used her.
From our meeting,
it was all worked out. All.
The casino, the marriage,
the false bills, your worthless plan.
I want this to change.
It will change, Lise.
I always underrated Clément.
The kid, the little bastard.
And I underrated his hate.
He has you kill me, you understand nothing.
And he's king of the hill.
It's perfect.
He turns it into an art form.
Calm down, Lise.
-His exact words? -It's for tonight.
Tonight or he spills it all.
Well, he's right. It's a deal to close.
Come alone. Don't try to play smart.
Any problem, we kill your wife.
He's got us. He knows it all.
For this…
Just for this you destroyed us.
I had no choice.
It was to protect you.
Like when we were little. Remember?
It was always me who got shouted at,
and then all the rest.
So what's the deal?
What's between you and him?
What are you talking about?
One day you said,
"You'll need to really love me."
You remember?
I didn't understand it then.
Because I already really loved you.
What you should have said was,
"You'll need to forgive me."
Since we always forgave everything.
It's too late. We can't turn back.
It's too late.
You're right.
It's too late for a lot.
Except one thing.
Henri isn't dead.
What?
You lied to me!
Since the lake, you've lied.
You say you love me and you lie to me.
That makes two of us.
And Henri's not thrilled with your plans for him.
He gave me two bullets.
One for his brother,
and one for my sister.
But he doesn't know that
me, without you, I'm nothing.
Are you still here?
Didn't she tell you, Sam?
Go on. Tell him.
Tell him.
From the first time I talked about my brother.
Those beings weighing on our lives.
How they choked us.
About those we didn't choose.
Erasing the past to be able to move ahead.
And the plan I had.
You said, "I think you're as mad as I am."
Don't you remember?
Remember?
It was in the bar where I met you.
When you were a whore.
It'll be Christmas soon.
You can tell me what you want.
What'll make you happy.
Hold me.
Subtitle translation by: David Aronson