""Michelle, I love you." "See you later." "Your B."" ""Nothing"" ""Sept. 15. I'm 20 and I've ruined my life."" "Let's do the photo!" "We're leaving." "Closer together!" "Look at me." "Valerie!" "Don't block the others." "Look this way." "That's it." "Don't move." "Anyone coming with me?" "I'll take care of her." "Francois, you coming?" " l've got things to do." " Like what?" " Just things." " You sure you're okay?" " So long, everybody." " Bye, Michelle." "We're how many here?" "Seven of us can't go." "I'm walking." "I'm following you." " l don't feel so hot." " l noticed." " Feel better?" " l'm bushed, my feet hurt." " Shitty party, eh?" " Lousy." "I should've left earlier." "Somehow I couldn't budge." "Right." "Valerie, Laetitia..." "The cute black chick?" " And Ali, too." " Who's Ali?" " The guy who comforted me." " Your guy?" "No, Ali's... just Ali!" " You thought we were an item?" " l did." "My guy's Bertrand." "He wasn't there." "We broke up yesterday." "That why you're so sad?" " l go this way." " Me, too." " l'm going in there." " That's just a church." "And I'm going inside." " What for?" " To pray a bit." " So you're going to pray a bit." " Yes, I am." "Wouldn't you rather go for a drink, or coffee?" "Walk you home?" "Shall I stay?" "Bye." "You all right, Michelle?" "Say hello for me when she wakes and we'll be in touch." "What?" "I should've stayed?" "Did you stay something to offend her before falling asleep?" " What're you getting at?" " Nothing." "It's just that her life's a mess lately." "Don't tell me about her life." "I don't want to know." "You'd better know, since you're part of it now." "So I'm part of her life?" "Then I want out." "That's too easy." "What's too easy is suicide at other's people's houses." "Some folks would sue for less." "Being together is tough." "What's tough?" "Being together?" "What's the connection?" " The connection's you." " Michelle and I?" " So we form a couple now?" " That's right." "One night and you're a couple?" "Even with a whore?" "Not at all." "There's money involved." "That's different." " lt started nice." " Yeah, great start, a suicide." "When things start badly, they can only improve." "It didn't start, it never happened, and it's over." "Hi, Bertrand." "She's okay, don't worry." " l feel awful." " Don't." "She's okay." "You okay?" "You okay, my little cracker?" " l'm not your cracker now." " Sure you are." "You're smothering me." "Why'd you come?" "You're my cracker." "Yesterday I told you it was over." "Today it's still over." "Cut it out." "I mean it, we're through." "I didn't even return his sweater." ""October 3." "Sweater."" "There." "Fine, perfect." "Fine, perfect." "Buddhist Meditation" "Laetitia, Michelle, together more?" "Back to back." "Now look at me." "Michelle, look at me." "Michelle." "I can't sleep." "Am I disturbing you?" " Sorry!" " Don't fall asleep." "Breathe deep." ""October 10, Be Kind to Mom"" "Act natural." "Ready." "Look at me." "Damn, the flash." "One more." "Change places." "Hurry up, we don't have all day." "It'll just take a second." " l'll do one like this morning." " Look at me." "Another one." "One more time." "Mom, move your arm." " Am I okay?" " You're lovely, Mom." "What'd you want?" "Fridge?" "Mattress?" " l'd like both." " Both!" "You're incredible." " l have an offer to make..." " Sure..." " Don't get mad, okay?" " l won't." "Jean said if you come for lunch some Sunday, just let us know and he'll make sure to be elsewhere." "What do you mean, be elsewhere?" "When you come over..." "You don't meet." "He goes out the back, you come in the front." "Or whatever." "Just to be together." "It'll be all right." "Don't worry." "Okay. I'm for peace." "Why the $60 difference?" "This is one's on sale." "is it bigger?" "A bit bigger." "This one's a bit bigger." "What for?" "No, I want a bigger one." " What for?" " lt's nice." "At $300, it's nice, but don't count on me." " Why not?" " Your friends won't clean me out." "I can't have a fridge just for myself!" "Then I prefer a mattress." "By the way, I'm on for lunch." " Really?" "This coming Sunday?" " Okay." " You bringing Bertrand?" " No, it's over." "What?" "I've told you a hundred times." "Not a hundred times..." "A thousand times." "She did tell you." "Never mind, you forgot." "The mattresses are over there." "There's just one little thing I don't quite get... ln fact, I have to use the back door to my home, like a thief, while he goes out the front door." "I try to fix things up, but it's impossible." "I should've shut my trap." "Can't you make an effort?" " You hear her curmmy idea?" " lt's not "like a thief"!" "What?" "Going out the back door?" "I can never suggest anything with you!" "Never!" "All right." "Forget the whole thing!" "You know what?" "You're just like Jean!" " Thanks a lot!" " You're a pain!" "For weeks, I've been bending over backwards to stay cool." "I stay cool for days." "Then I see them and, bang, I blow up." "You never listen." "Never listen?" "Screw you!" ""There is no greater happiness than peace of mind."" ""There is no burning sensation equal to envy, no greater sin than hatred,"" ""no greater happiness than peace of mind."" "Open your eyes." "October 11." " Sir, please!" " Please, don't push." "I'm not pushing, I'm walking by." "I'll have to ask to see your id." " This isn't the Gestapo!" " We'll check your id at the station." "Taking me in?" "You want an id, here!" "Here's an id." " Don't give 'em your id!" " l've had enough!" "I won't budge." "Call for reinforcements if you want." "Calm down." "It'll just take a second." "I don't have to show my id to these cops!" " You're nuts!" "We have an appointment." " Michelle?" "Show him your id, hurry up." "My metro pass..." "That won't do." "No driver's license?" "Give him your id." "It's on big deal." "Was that so hard?" " Where you going?" " My sweater suits you." "You can have it back." "You're sweet to wear it." "That almost got nasty." "They've got clubs." "I'd murder the cop." "You doing okay?" "Yeah, I'm a Buddhist now." "Then you're doing fine." "What's that involve?" "Lots of meditation..." "You've gotta work toward enlightenment, nothingness..." "That's tough." "All this positive energy is exhausting." " You riding me?" " You are so." " What's your religion?" " Meaning?" " What religion are you?" " l'm nothing." "Do I have to have one?" "The cops ask easier questions." " Why all the makeup?" " lt's for work." " For my job." " What's your job?" " Top model." "Well, almost." " Great!" "I gotta run." "Bye." "If I come to a Buddhist meeting with you..." "Do I shave my head and take off my shoes?" " You don't have to take off your shoes." " What, then?" "I dunno." "Find anything?" "Nothing you want?" "I'll pay, then we'll go." " Can I see?" " No, there's a gift for you." " What is it?" " lt's a surprise." "Read it..." "Read it..." "This is really good." "This is one, too." "All books on the Holocaust." " The Shoah." " When'd Holocaust go out?" "I've always heard Holocaust." "They say Shoah." "Everyone says Holocaust." "Holocaust means an accepted religious sacrifice." "It was a Shoah, a genocide, not an offering to God." "That series was called Holocaust." "TV is serious stuff." " Are you crazy?" " What is it?" "Those are argu..." "Skip it!" "I'm sorry, I didn't know." " Michelle!" " Oh, Bertrand!" " How are you?" " Fine." " A new helmet?" " Like it?" " l'm glad to see you." " Me, too." " Where you living now?" " At my mom's." " How's Valerie?" " Just fine." "Great." "So, that's the veterinarian?" "So what're you up to?" "Not much." "Let me read you something. I've worked hard on it." "Tell me what you think." ""l seek... I seek silence in a girl's arms."" "What do you think?" " That's good." " lt's the title of my novel." "Remember my photos of you naked in your mom's kitchen?" "Excuse me." "Just a minute." " l found them." " So?" "Take off your helmet?" "So, nothing." "Why so aggressive?" "This is Francois." "This is Bertrand." " How about a drink?" " Another time, okay?" " Shit, I forgot the groceries!" " What?" "I'll get them." "No, I'll go." " Can I see your books?" " Sure." "That one's for Michelle." " Leonard Cohen, great!" " Albert Cohen." "And this?" " Here, look." " For me?" " "Lord, take me by the hand. I will follow Thee without resistance." - lt's a huge!" "I'll never get through it!" "What is this?" "The diary of a woman who died at Auschwitz." "How gloomy can you get!" "Stop!" "Francois is Jewish." " What're you talking about?" " Jewish?" "That's cool!" " You're a drag." " Cut it out." "What's his problem?" "A movie tomorrow?" "I can't." "But I'll call you, okay?" "If we'd met now it would work out." " So I wouldn't need to abort." "Cool." " l'll take that." "Anyhow, living together is hell." "So long." " Bye." "Sorry." " Forget it." "The general gloom concerns us all." "I wanted to be a vet, too." "Try enrolling at vet school..." "How could you have fallen for a nitwit like that?" " lt's the other way!" " What?" "It's not that way." " So long." " Let's keep in touch." "You bet." "I was nuts about him." "Funny how you can be crazy in love, then, just like that, not give a damn." "Why'd you say I'm Jewish?" " Aren't you?" " Maybe." ""November 4 Who am I?"" ""Jews in Islam..."" "Cut it out, teach!" ""ln Judaism, the act is the most important because..." Ali!" " For Japan." " Cut it out!" ""Sex life..."" "Judaism for Beginners" ""November 6 The Eternal is One!"" "Sorry." "I've been waiting an hour." "Sorry, lt's Bruce." " l need the keys." " You want the keys?" "Here..." "Open the door." "What'd you do?" " 1 pages for Vogue." " Really?" "So did I." "is that so?" " A movie tonight?" " No, I got stuff for a great dinner." "Blinis, tarama." "Please." "I'm bushed." "Worn out." "I saved 10,000 dogs and cats from a horrible death today." "What're you doing?" "Come eat." "Sure, but first I have a surprise." " What is it?" "A good surprise?" " Very good." " That's the surprise?" " Yes, a mezuzah." "Thanks , I know that." "What's it doing there?" "It's a surprise." " You're a pain." "Why put it up?" " lt's nice." "Mezuzahs aren't there to be nice." "And it's upside down." "Take it down." " Don't you like it?" " That's not the point." "Don't give me gifts that have to do with Judaism." " lt was to make you happy." " To make me happy?" "Don't act cute." "Please, take it down and come eat." "You want to leave it there?" "So everyone here knows I'm Jewish?" "But you are Jewish." "Do you have to say it like that?" "Stop action cute everytime I say something." "Did you hear how you just said that?" " No, I didn't. I don't get it." " You don't?" "You want the whole building to know I'm Jewish?" "What if I don't want them to know?" "All right." "Come here." "Look." " Write "Jew" on the door." " What?" "Write "Jew", big!" "Write "Jew"!" "Do as I say." "Do as I say." "Write "Jew" on this fucking door!" "There's nothing vile about it." "It's part of tradition." "Repeat what you just said." "You said "vile"?" "Come back here." "Why'd you say "vile"?" "That's anti-Semitic vocabulary!" "Anti-Semites say "vile"." "Got that?" "What?" "If you were an anti-Semite, you'd say "vile"." " lf you talk like one, you are." " l'm an anti-Semite?" "I think you're an anti-Semite." " Don't be ridiculous." " You're no anti-Semite?" "You only have to deny it." "is that it?" " l studied Spanish because of the nazis." " That argument sucks, Michelle." "I can't be an anti-Semite, I'm a buddhist." "And I love you." "You, a Buddhist?" "You're nothing." "What gets you is that it came from me, I'll take it down." "That wil settle it." "No one saw me." "I don't care." "Why should I be ashamed?" "You disappoint me." "I bought it as a gift for you." "For good luck, I don't care, I have my khata. I don't give a shit." " What's your "khata"?" " l could careless." "The piece of cloth in Bruce's doghouse?" "If you took care of the mezuzah like you do your khata..." "Damn, my keys." "I don't have the keys." " Why the mopey face?" " l was born with this face." " Come on, smile." " l'll mope if I want." "Too bad." " How are you doing?" " Fine." "Whenever you're ready, Michelle." "Psychology's not his thing." "Let me explain." "You sit there." "The theme is..." "My boyfriend fell for my sister who has a degree." "That's your sister, your boyfriend." "They're talking." "Let's do it." "She's coming on to him and you feel left out." "You sense what's going on." "You turn slightly and cut yourself off." "You're feeling down." " That umbrella isn't great." " More dignified." " Look." " Think so?" "It's better like that." "Like this?" "Yeah, it's better." "Alain's face doesn't express anything." "Alain, you ought to..." "You're divided, she's your girl." "And you, you're sexy!" "Michelle!" ""November 8 To be Jew or not to be Jew"" "I think I'm converted to Buddhism from today." "You don't need to change your religion." "I did like it!" "Do you?" "But you know, sometimes I don't know if I can laugh or not..." "It's difficult!" "No, it's a comedy." "It's fun..." " How're you?" " What brings you here?" " l came to see you." " That's nice." "He's ex-boyfriend." "is that man who you told." "Come here a sec." "This is Francois and this is Joseph." " Nice to meet you." " Yes, nice to meet you." "Excuse me why don't you..." "Excuse me..." " Can we talk a second?" " No!" " lt's been 2 days." " So what?" "That's not nice." "You expect me to leap into your arms?" "I'd love you to leap into my arms." " Do you want to like drink with us?" " Yes, I would like it." "Let's have a drink with your friend." " Who is he, your guru?" " No, a friend." " A friend?" " Yes, a friend." "Bring him along." "I'm sorry, he want to talk to me." "Oh, is that guy you told me about?" "You do the guy, mezuzah?" "Yes, what did she told you?" "Nothing, but I believe..." "You would better get back together." " But he's very complicated." " No, you're complicated." "Do you live together?" "I don't even have his keys." "Don't waste your trial." " You'll take them back." " They're our keys now." "Try to open the door." " Come on." " l have a surprise for you." " Really?" " A huge one." "Really huge?" "Very huge." "He converting you to a new faith?" "No, no..." "Hey, let's drink together!" "Francois unthinkingly managed to turn me off meditation." "We visited every temple in India." ""March 15 6 months of loooove already!"" "Yeah, Mom, we're coming." "We're almost there." "is Jean there?" "Okay, fine." "See you shortly." "What's going on?" "My stepdad's not mad now." "No talking means the food's good." "You like it, for once." "That's for me to say, it's really good" " Can I talk without you snickering?" " Sorry." "See our collection of cat pictures?" "Evelyne loves cats." "So do I." "A free checkup?" " No problem." "How many do you have?" " Three. in fine health." "Vacation are problematic, with 3 cats in the car." "I can look at them after lunch." "That's ok." "More wine?" "Gladly, it's very good." "Thank you." "Mom, your medicine and wine don't mix." " l haven't had much." " 3 glasses is too much." "You can still put 'em back!" " l was just teasing." " lt's not funny." "Mom, come back here!" "Ah, family life!" "Come back inside." "I'm sorry, Mom." "You should be more patient with me." "It's hard for me to get up every morning." "I could just lie on the floor and stay there." "I feel like I want to die." "Stop it!" "You worry too much." "And the jerk inside who doesn't get it, who couldn't careless." "What about him?" "What do you want from him?" "A little sympathy, "l know things are tough, honey."" "But no!" "I say I hate shopping, and it's "l get nothing to eat." l swear!" "Then get out." "Nothing's stopping you." "Nothing?" "That's easy to say when you're 20." "What can I do?" "I'm stuck." "I have no one." "No one, no one!" " Leave him, get out." " This isn't the right time." "Enough." "Did your mother calm down?" "You didn't have to ruin it all." "Me ruin it all?" "You bug her for 20 years and I ruin it all?" "Please, Michelle, this meal was to patch things up." "I even praised her cooking." "I'm trying, at least!" "You call that trying?" "You and your hateful old couple bullshit!" "How's one supposed to live after you?" "Let's go?" " You coming?" " l'm here." "Thanks for the lovely day." "It was awe-inspiring." "It took courage to introduce them." "My mom's not well now." "I don't know how she is usually..." "Christian, go to the right." "Michelle, behind the chair." "Take the pose." "Now a bit more behind." "Get down." "Lift your head." "Turn a little this way and down more." "Now all the way down." " Perfect, perfect." "Don't move." " How's that?" "Much better." " Can I go now?" "I have a class." " lf you want. lt's in the can." "Third floor left." "Joseph!" "There's something I don't get." " ls herb tea okay?" " Fine." "I caught a sore throat." "There's a thing I don't get..." "The work forbidden on Shabbat are things no one ever does." "Stuff like..." "You can't sheer sheep, tear out 2 stitches and redo them, write 2 letters, erase, then rewrite them..." "What's the connection with phones and lights?" "Why stuff like that?" "Turning on lights..." "Sorry, I'm sustaining my cancer." "Turning on a light, that's easy to explain..." "You create a flame." "When you make contact, you create a little flame." "And fire's forbidden." "Why don't they say that, then?" "They put stuff you never do..." "Write 2 letters..." "I don't get it." "Neither do I." ""Next Saturday..."" "The bus!" " We'll miss it." "We're late." " l'd rather walk." "We can't, we're late." "Laurent's expecting us, it'll take us 20 min." "We said we'd spend time together." "Then a cab." "No, no, no..." "They eavesdrop on buses." "Please, it's too far to walk." " l'm not taking the bus." " Why not?" " l don't feel like it." " What's wrong?" "Nothing!" "What's wrong today?" "First, no activities and now no bus." "That doesn't mean anything's wrong." " Want a cigarette?" " l don't feel like smoking." "Strange!" "It's Saturday, no cigarettes, no bus..." "Don't lie to me." "Something's up." "You're observing Shabbat." "You're observing Shabbat." " Admit it." " A little." "You observe Shabbat or you don't." "Are you doing this for me?" "You're not converting, are you?" "I did the same at your age." "I was mad about a girl in college, so I joined her in a strike." "But it interests me." "What does?" "Jewish jokes?" "Rabbi Jacob, Louis de Funes, Patrick Bruel..." "Karl Marx, Einstein, Jesus!" "Catholics have Jesus, too." " Why become Jewish?" " l'm not Catholic." "One day, Buddhist, another, Catholic." "You're a pain!" "I can't even say you're a pain without a major crisis." "You're not Jewish enough." "I'm not jewish enough for you?" " What's that mean?" " Hurry, we're late." "We'll grab this cab." " l'm walking." " Michelle, get in!" "You're a real pain." "Wait!" "Michelle!" "This is the Hebrew poem." "That means "l love you"?" "Great!" "You got it all!" "Michelle, your hat!" "It's windy." "That was great." "I can't believe how clear it is now." "I love you." "Yeah, Tuesday!" "Thanks again!" " Regards to Francois!" " Thanks." ""Talmudic man is in constant flux"" ""he is an eternal seeker."" ""There is no easy and definitive external certitude."" ""July 2"" "Chapter 6:" "The Great National ldeal in Action." ""And is declared our ancestor."" ""l maintain"" ""that the Neanderthal was never our ancestor."" "Dammit, Francois, wake up!" "If it were up to me, it would be front page news." "There's "Jaws" on Channel 6." "What time is it?" " "Jaws!"" " Cut it out." "Sharks symbolize nazism." "They're scary, too." "I want to watch this." "Or there's "Escape from the Future 3"." "Must be a bore." "Hell, I'm going to bed." "I have the comforter." ""Here is a Slav, crossbred with a Negro."" ""Leon Tolstoy had a perfectly unacceptable skull."" "You're a pain." "Why put it up?" ""Not to mention Karl Marx."" "You have toothpaste in your mouth?" "I love it." "When are your parents comin?" "In a month." "Why?" "Will you introduce me?" "It's my turn, is that it?" "Shit!" "Your're so handsome!" "You okay?" "Your bed's had it." ""Yes, I'm a Woman and I'm Jewish"" ""Veterinary Weekly"" "Your mind hasn't triumphed over matter." "Joseph, do you think if I convert, it'll make a difference to Francois?" "You know, it will all depend on you, on him, but also his parents." "Why his parents?" "What time is it?" "Not late." "Not even noon." "We lunch now or will Dad visit his girlfriend?" "What girlfriend?" "I'm taking you to a little place run by... a guy who used to live in Broklyn and who's the king of..." " Gefilte fish." " Exactly." "It's his specialty." "For you, Dad." "Dad can have his Paris gefilte fish." "Have you known this place long?" "I looked all over for a place where we could eat while you're here." "That's really!" " They have everything I like?" " Everything." " Really?" " They should." "I phoned. I haven't tried it." "So you've never been there." "Darling!" "Sorry, this is Michelle." " Simon, right?" " No, Regine." " How are you?" " Fine." "Fine, thank you." " What're you doing?" " How're you?" "I'm so happy to see you." " What're you up to?" " Nothing, I was in the neighborhood." "You arrived a few days ago?" " Are you glad?" " Very glad." "And it's such a joy to see our son." "That's why we came." " Then you go back to Israel?" " ln a month." "So I'll see you again?" "We're lunching." "See you tonight." " All right." "She can join us." " l don't think she's free." "Sure I am. I won't impose, but I'd love to." "So would we." "I've heard a lot about you." " We'll be at lunch for hours." " But I'm free." "Let's go, then." "Of course I don't mind." " Great, then we can get acquainted." "I've heard so much about you." " Really?" " Stop it." " Don't come with us." "You in a hotel?" "Not at all, we have an apartment." "What's wrong?" "He's edgy." " Amazing, no?" " l never saw him like this." "You know this restaurant?" "No, it's a surprise." "Francois wants to surprise us." "Let's all go to lunch." "Hurry up!" ""November 7 I bought a Magen David"" "That's you?" " With my sisters." " l recognize you." "That's me." "That's me..." " Who's that?" " A cousin." "So many cousins, uncles, aunts..." " That's me." " You were so cute!" " l still am!" " Sure, you are!" "But there, really..." "Who's that?" "Your mother?" "That's Mother, just before she was deported." "It's the last picture I have of her." "These pictures mean a lot to me." "Not many in here are still alive." "They're all gone." "That's Francois!" " What a face!" " His face was rounder, he was very young." "Look how his face thinned out." "He's a few years older now." " You sure took care of him." " Of course." "He's my baby." " Would you like a cup of tea?" " Yes, I would." "I'll make some." ""December 24 Way Cool!"" " Don't make tea for us, Mom." " Why not?" " Dad and I have other plans." " Meaning?" "We'll drink lots of water." "No liquor?" "No liquor, we just got out Uncle Samuel's vodka." "Just for today. lt can't do any harm." "And the more we drink, the less Uncle Samuel does." " We're helping him." " Yes, we are." "Last I saw him, he was up to 440 lbs." "He can't weigh much less now." "What are you doing?" "Can't smoke?" "I'm sorry, Simon." "I didn't know." " No matter." " lt's the Channukah candlestick!" "Sorry, Dad." "I'm so sorry, Simon." "I'm sorry, Regine." " lt wasn't on purpose." " l'll put it out." " You shouldn't have lit it." " lt doesn't matter." "The maccabees's victory in the 2nd century, I know all that, the seven-branched candlestick... the menora, the festival of light, the miracle of the oil vial!" "But I didn't recognize it." "You sure know your stuff." "Where'd you learn that?" "We don't know as much as you." "I didn't realize you lit the candles." "And the Maccabee victory..." "I know about that." " Are you all right?" " l'm fine." " You sure?" " Yes, Mom." "Michelle?" " Michelle." " What?" "You did it on purpose?" "So I'm not Jewish." "Neither are you." "I'm not Jewish?" " What am I then?" " Nothing." "You believe in nothing." "You never go to synagogue." "Last Friday you ate a big ham sandwich." "You call that being Jewish?" "That's enough." "If I have to listen to crap, skip it." "And it was turkey, not ham." "You have no spirituality, that's all." "Not a drop of spirituality." "So, naturally, I amaze you." " You amaze me." " You're handsome." " You're beautiful." " You're really handsome." "And I think you're really, really beautiful." "You're outrageously beautiful." "So lovely!" ""Our second spring"" "Francois?" "Take them." " They're the wrong ones." " Take me, then?" "I must be a real bore." "I tell vet stories every time you come." "I have to learn about them." "Sorry." "Just a shitty little kiss?" "Jeez!" "Haven't my breasts swelled?" "Maybe the left one tripled in size." "I wonder if I'm not pregnant." "What do you mean?" " Did you stop the pill?" " l'm still on it." " Then it's all right." " But my period's late." " By how much?" " 10 days." "Did you do a test?" " Do it then." "Hurry." " Why hurry?" "In case something has to be done." "Hang on, don't panic." "You don't want a child, do you?" "If he hears, he'll abort alone, just looking at your face." "In all likelihood l'm not pregnant." "What sort of face should I make?" "If we want a child, we'll discuss it calmly." "I can't, right now." "See you later." "I'll call or come straight home." " We can't discuss it?" " Discuss what?" "So you've decided for us." "I decide nothing." "You just don't want a child." "Why not?" "21 is the beginning of the end." "The cells go." "Well, I'm 32, and I don't feel ready, okay?" "You don't either." "You don't want a child with me." "It's not you." "I don't want a child, period." "It's my own problem." "I don't want a miniature me." "Miniature you and me, because it's... you and me." "What would we do with a child now?" "I don't know, love it?" "It's not kosher, I'm not Jewish..." "Quit provoking me." "See you later." "Do the test and call me with the results." "Don't leave making a face like that." "There's a wall between us." "is there a door in that wall, a tiny, little one?" "Don't be silly." "I thought he'd pass out." "There's a wall between us." "Not a wall, a rampart." "It's not easy to build something." "Francois has the typical profile." "A neurotic." "You build, he demolishes." "I'm going to leave him." "Hello." "Fine." "But I can't talk now." "Who is it?" "Francois?" "It's Valerie." "Yeah." "Fine." "Michelle told me to tell you she's not pregnant." "You feel better?" "Yes, she's fine." "Yes, I know." "Look... I can't talk, the car broke down." "I don't get it." "My car's smoking." "Really?" "Maybe..." "Good thing you told me." "It won't explode, will it?" "Okay, so long." "What'd he say?" " He wanted to know how you were." " Yeah, I bet." "You should see a shrink." "You're ripe for the Jehovah's Witnesses!" "Don't delude yourself." "Don't ignore me!" "I don't care about that heresy." " They're all mad." " They're normal... but they recruit people who are spiritually lost." "They lead you on and..." " Let's walk, otherwise..." " You're right." "I'll call my mechanic friend." "They rang my doorbell once." "There was a guy and a girl..." "They said they had pictures of God." " Pictures of God?" " That's right." "And I didn't... I said, "Show me, it might be interesting."" "They pulled out all their slides and stuff, and showed me a big green field, and a flash, a halo..." "That's God." "If my mother hadn't come home, I'd be answering their phones now." "Hi, Florence." "Can I sleep over tonight?" "I'm not far..." "Okay, fine." "All right." " lt's okay." " ls it?" "Mom will be furious about the car." "Okay." "You'll come see me?" "Sure." "And talk things over. lt's very important." "You should all see a shrink!" " Come see me?" " l will." ""3 days later." "Great mood!"" " Not eating?" " l don't like ham anymore." "You eat kosher now?" " Want it?" " Do I have a choice?" "What in God's name did I do?" "Don't act like God was your best friend." "She drives me nuts!" "Don't clash, go around." " And I want to see Francois." " No, hang in there." "Would it kill you to buy the Old Testament?" "I'm going out for the paper." " Be back in 15 minutes." " See you later." "Could you pick up some cigarettes?" "Jean!" "He sure seems thrilled I'm here." " You okay, sweetie?" " l'm sleeping." "Good night, sleep well." " Lights out." " No, it's Shabbat!" "Don't touch!" ""lt's Shabbat, don't touch."" "I hadn't heard that one before." " l don't observe, so lights out." " Can't you respect those who do?" "Goddamn!" "Francois, you still there?" "Hang on." "Can't I pray in peace a moment?" "It's Francois on the phone." "Take him?" "No." "Shabbat." "I'll tell him to call back in 2 days." "Too bad, he's called ten times." "We can work something out." "Tell him I'll come for my things later." "It's still Michelle's mom." "She said she'd come by." "Tell him exactly what I said!" " He insists on talking to you." " l can't." "Hurry up." " What do I do, Mom?" " l don't care, hurry up." "Say I can't talk to him." "No..." "Tell him..." "Say it's Shabbat and I'll call him tomorrow." "No, tell him..." "Okay, tell him." "She told me to tell you it's Shabbat." "I know it's nonsense, we agree..." "But it's partly your fault." "I don't mean to offend you..." "Can't I talk to him for a second?" "He wants to speak to you." "Look..." "I'll call him tomorrow." "He says, on Shabbat if its' life or death you can talk." "It's a matter of life and death." "If it's a life-or-death matter I can..." "Hello." " Michelle." " lt's me." " What's the matter?" " lt's okay." "Just ten days?" "Good night, Mom." "You miss me?" " "Don't you miss me?" " Yes, I miss you."" "I wanted to act indifferent but I miss you so much!" " What are you doing right now?" " Nothing." " Let's get together." " Not today, it's Shabbat." "Tomorrow." ""June 18, 11 :30 Don't forget."" "Does one of you want to speak?" "Go ahead." " No, maybe..." " Go on." " Go ahead." " Go ahead." " l observe Shabbat." " Meaning?" "I rest, I think things over... I remember." "That's it, no?" "Yes, exactly... I find it a wonderful idea that even striking a tiny match means you deny God exists." "Isn't it, darling?" "And I work at it on a daily basis, I practice." "I read." "You may think it's because Francois is Jewish and that we'll marry and have kids, but it's not because of him." "I really want to belong to this religion." "I've never really felt like a Catholic... I want Francois and I to share the same religion." "So you're aware that it's a personal decision" " unrelated to your wedding plans?" " Absolutely." "It will be a long road." "For the two of you." " Are you aware of this?" " Yes... but can you be more precise?" " You'll take classess..." " With Francois?" "I know all that stuff." "That way you can help her." "More precisely?" "The teaching is spread out over 12-18 months, 2 hours weekly." "That much?" "Here's the syllabus." "You have books to read, homework to do, attendance at the synagogue for Shabbat services, and participation in community activities." "Then you go before the Beth Din, the rabbinical court." " Excuse me." " Do go ahead." "It's my mother." "My father's not well." " Mom?" "How's Dad doing?" " ls this the application form?" "You're behind what door?" "Hang on, don't go away." "Sorry, they're behind a door." " What door?" " l don't know." "Are we disturbing?" " My parents." "My mother..." " Pleased to meet you." " And my father..." "How are you?" " Fine." "Fine, thank you." "Hi, sweetie." "How are things?" "Feeling better, Dad?" "We were in the neighborhood..." "Are we intruding?" ""Tues. 6-7 p.m. Thurs. 6:30-7:30 p.m."" "What is Judaism?" "Though Yom Kippur demands strict abstinence, it is not an end in itself, but a means to help man free himself of his weaknesses, overcome his failings, and in that way, having recovered peace in his soul and his mind," "reconcile himself with his fellow man and God." "I don't believe it!" " What're you doing?" " Nothing." " You're eating..." "Yes, you are!" " Stop it!" " What's that?" " What?" "Nothing, just a tiny piece of chicken." "That's not eating, it's not filling." "What're you doing?" "Am I allowed to shut it?" "I don't think so." "Stop eating on Yom Kippur!" "Let me finish this." "Who'll ever know?" "What d'you mean?" "You can't eat on Kippur." "Please." "And where's your kipa?" "You'll pardon me anyway." "It's okay, it's Yom Kippur." "Everyone pardons." " Be open-minded, to each his sin." " Not the comics!" "I won't ask God to pardon you for the chicken leg." "Who can tell me about Zionism?" "Hasidism?" " What are you doing?" "Doodling?" " You nuts?" " Taking notes?" " Yes, go on." "Play it." "Let's see your notes." "You know my handwriting's illegible." "I did the aleph, the beth, I did the oral part, the writing..." "Shall I say the prayer and you translate?" " lt's hard for me to..." " Cut it out." "In case I don't understand... lf this is a trick, it stinks." "It's not." "Go ahead, then." "Easy. "Hear, O Israel!"" " lt's not a test." " l know, that's the title." ""The Eternal is our God, the Eternal is One."" ""Blessed be His name..."" " That it?" " You know it by heart?" " No, but I now my prayer." " Very well." ""You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and all your soul."" "Your'e cheating." " Dammit, you're cheating!" " What is it?" "You've got the translation right in front of you." " l didn't know it was there." " You think I'm a dope." "I'll start over," ""Hear, O Israel..." l have no paper!" ""The Eternal is our God..." l forget!" "Know what we'll do?" "I say it in French, you say it in Hebrew." ""Hear, O Israel..."" "Go on." "I don't know." "You've discouraged me." "What?" "You've turned me off studying." "Sorry." "Really, I'm sorry." "You had such a burning desire to work." "I'm dreaming!" "He knows it all by heart." "I get it." "That's right." "And the prayer for wine?" "It's the other way around." "Isn't it... lt's..." "Honey, are you there?" "You're asleep." "You okay?" "Your bood's upside down." "The wedding..." ""Easter, Passover"" "Are you okay, Dad?" "I'll get you a glass of water." "Let me lift you." "I'm staying right here with you." "Please do." " Never mind, I'll go." " No, I'll get it." "Not in there." "Want some tea?" "Tea?" "See you Tuesday." "You coming?" "Everything all right, Francois?" "You don't seem well." "I'm sleeping badly." "I have nightmares." "Do you think, Rabbi, that our actions have consequences on our loved ones?" " Can you be more specific?" " My father's ill." "When someone's healthy, do you wonder if it's your fault?" "Making a home is man's aim in life." "Before marrying, the Midrash teaches us, man is not really called a man." "A man without a wife is denied happiness and benedictions." "Some even say he is denied the Torah, safekeeping and peace." "It is written in Genesis that He created the male and female, blessed them and called them Man." ""3 days later, the end"" "Mom, anyway, no..." "Tell Dad to do as the doctor says." "Michelle sends her love." "No, she didn't tell me." "Really?" "Mom, I can't talk now." "My love to both of you. I'll come see Dad as soon as I can." "Bye, Mom." "Could you help me get the TV into the living room?" "is your Dad any better?" " No, he's not." " Damn." "is that your Monday pill?" " Today's Tuesday." " You're right, I forgot it." "is that all you can say, you forgot?" "Relax, I'll take 2." "I do it all the time." "Ok, but in 9 months you'll have a kid." "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." "I'll try it over there." "What?" "Why'd you let my mother go home alone?" "Nonsense. I offered to take her home." "My father's ill, you let her go alone." "That's not nice." "I'll try it there." "Back to our room." "This is no good." "Don't lie, she said you didn't." "You let her go home in the cold." "She said I wouldn't take her?" "Yes, and you let her go home in the cold." "It's not that cold out!" "No reason to leave her alone at night." "It was 4 p.m, she's a big girl." " Enough! "She's a big girl"!" " For Chrissake!" "When you have a problem, everyone's supposed to worry." "I offered to take her home!" " That's not true." " lt's so." "So you don't believe me?" "I offered to take her." "Yes, I did." "My mother tried to show she accepts you, and you won't take her home!" "I'm sorry, but that wasn't clear." " Next time I'll take her." " Okay, next time!" "What's the matter?" " Don't touch me!" " What if I want to?" "I don't want you to touch me." "What is it, a fever?" "Your touch makes me sick." "I feel like I'm talking to a wall." "It's as if you were invisible." "Your touch makes me sick." " l'll call." "What's her number?" " What?" "Give me her phone number!" "What's going on?" "I want to know if you made it up..." " What's the matter?" " Kiss me." "Get lost." "You okay?" "Exhausted?" " What's the matter?" " Nothing." "Where are you going?" "Sorry." " How about a drink?" " No, thanks." "Still with Francois?" ""May, whew!"" "He sent me my things and there was a slut's red panties!" " Who did?" " francois." "You're ready for a constructive relationship." "It's as if the city were empty and we were the only two alive." " l have no choice." " How's it with Serge?" "Like with Francois, but he's not Francois." "Where will your clients hang their coats?" "You're right." "Patients, not clients." "Don't you feel something jabbing at you?" "How can they do their transference and counter-transference with a spring in their back?" "There are ten-thousand." "it's a real trampoline!" "Michelle, this is work." "Please stop." "Are there guys who come and don't open their mouth?" "Why say such a thing?" "You nuts?" "You give me the jitters!" "I just know he'll lounge on my nice, clean couch, say nothing, and never return!" "Don't be silly." "It's him!" "My first patient!" " Wish me luck." " Break a leg!" " l'll run into him and thank him." " No, go upstairs." " l'll smile at him." " Go upstairs." "Michelle!" "Michelle..." "Come back here!" "Hold on." "Stand back." " How do you do?" " An appointment with Ms. Delabrune." "That's me." "Ms. Leveque!" "You, here?" "Your session is Sat. at 6 p.m." " Thank you." " Thank you, goodbye." "This way, please." "Hi, there." "How are you?" " Sorry I'm late." " lt's okay." "Sorry, I didn't see you." " l'm glad to see you." " So am I." " How are you?" " Fine." "Sorry, this is Cecile." "This is Michelle, and old friend." "Please to meet you." "Serge..." "Francois." "Francois is a very, very old friend." " Hello." " Nice to meet you." " Going to see "Shoah"?" " No, not at all." "Why?" " This is the line." " Yes, we are going to "Shoah"." "No way." "We're not going to see "Shoah"." "We're not?" "We're seeing the Godard." "Not that. lt's supposed to be awful." "Valerie said it was great." " l'm not watching "Shoah"." " Wasn't that what we said?" " lsn't it good?" " Sure, it's very good." "But it's very long, real depressing." "That's the sort of thing you usually like." " You call "Shoah" a "sort of thing"?" " You going to lecture me?" "What'll it be, Serge?" " l'm seeing "Shoah"." " Me, Godard." "Let's all see "Shoah", then eat." "We're not changing plans for you." "What's wrong, Michelle?" "We said we'd see the Godard, so I'm seeing the Godard." " Good luck." " Why?" " Because it lasts over 8 hours." " 8 hours?" "What's wrong , you got amnesia?" "You're thinking of someone else." "I saw "Shoah"." "So long." " l'm seeing the Godard." " Michelle..." "Where you going?" "Cecele!" " Mind if I come with you?" " Not at all." "Been together long?" " What?" " Nothing." " What, Francois and me?" " What?" "Francois and me?" "I wondered if you'd been together long." "Just two weeks." "So it's brand new." "I see." "How'd you meet?" "Sorry, I'm being nosey." "In Israel." "You visited his parents in Israel?" "No, we met in Israel." "At the beach. I was on vacation." "I see." "Nothing like vacation." "We came back together." "I see." "And what religion are you?" " Jewish." " What?" " Jewish, why?" " l see." " Not staying?" " No, it's too boring." " Valerie must've been high." " ls Cecile still there?" " Not waiting for your boyfriend?" " No, tell him I left." "I'm not sure I'll be here." "You go to classes with him now?" " Very funny." " What'd the rabbi say?" "He asked if I'd continue." " What'd you say?" " l had to think it over." " Have you?" " Why?" "Does that change anything?" " Your father better?" " He's surviving." "Give him my love." " Going to Valerie's party?" " l don't know." "Come." "She'd be glad." "She's a bit depressed." "Anyhow, it's a masquerade." ""June 4, lt's a masquerade: asshole!"" "What's she doing?" "Boy, you've got a ways to go." "Get up, or else you'll get dizzy." " Have a little self-respect." " She's going to her room." "Go have an affair, I'm no terrorist." "But not in front of me." "That was a slip." "A slip is with words." "Not with flesh-and-blood human beings." "You need the couch, not me." " l go 3 times a week." " lt doesn't look like it." "Where you going?" "I can't take any more." "What's wrong?" "I feel awful." "And I regret everything I did." "If he's trying to make me... lf he's tryin to make me jealous... I'd understand." "But that's not it." " That's exactly it." " No, it's not." " He'd throw me out of his place." " Let's go." "Sorry, but no way!" "The hell with him!" "I'd be the first to ditch him." "I hope so." "Anyhow, we're not together." "Finally an intelligent word." "I was next to him and we kissed, that's all." "For hours!" "How long have you wanted him?" "I don't want him." "We just kissed." "Sure!" "Smooching but no sex!" " lf you hadn't been there..." " l'm no idiot!" "Stay with him, I don't care." "I can be alone." "But seeing your disappointed mug makes me want to puke." "I'm not disappointed." "I'm sorry." "Didn't he say he had someone?" " Jessica?" " lt's no big deal." "A month ago it was my living room, my kitchen, my dog Bruce." "Now it's over." "No, it's not." "He made it up because he felt bad about kissing me." " That girl doesn't exist." " She does for me." "It's a frigment of his imagination." "I'm sorry." "He kissed me and made up a girl." "You heard him say he was mad about her." "That's rule number one, pal." "It was a lie." " She's a blonde beauty." "I can see her!" " Would you shut up!" "Hello." "Francois home?" "No, he's..." "Michelle?" "is it that obvious?" "Pleased to meet you." "This is Ali, a friend." "We came by to pick up a book." " "A Tortured Life"." " No, "An lnterrupted Life"." "I read it, but... lt must be on the shelf." " lt's Francois' book?" " No, it's mine." "No, problem." " You read it?" " Long ago." "Okay, it's a deal." "I'll tell my friend to call." "She really needs pictures." "No problem." "Okay, bye." "I'll invite you to my show next year." "Okay." "See you soon." "Hold on, don't move." " We're in a hurry." " Just a sec." "The light's great." " One last photo." " One last." "Do I sit down?" "Over here." "Just a sec." "Look that way." "Like that." "No smile." "Empty your mind." "Sorry, just one more." "Great." "Thanks." " l'll send them to you." " Great." " l'll tell Francois you came." " Don't bother." "I was sure I had one!" "We used the whole box?" "Not a rubber in this room, that's for sure!" "In here?" " l lost the key." " Penetration isn't everything!" "I know where there's one." "Bingo!" "No room for error." " Weird, it's green." " ls it old?" "I'm not putting that on." " Can you go get some bread?" " No, I can't." "I don't want your opinion." " But Mom, I can't." " Can you tell me why?" "Because Ali's crying." "What's the matter with him?" "I just told him it's over." "I didn't know you were together." "No one ever tells me anything in this house!" "Why'd you say that?" " You okay?" " Yes, ma'am." "You'll stay for dinner anyway, won't you?" "He'll stay." "Why'd you say it was over?" "How else could I tell you?" "But we just began." "I'm sorry." "I don't get it... I don't get it, Michelle." "Would you please make the bed?" "Don't wear yourself out." "Why don't you ever talk about my father?" "There's nothing to say." "It's in the past." " l'm interested in the past." " The past is passed." "Was he Jewish by any chance?" "Was he Jewish or not?" ""Last night I went walking in the forest."" ""l keep thinking about Francois."" ""l'm trying to get over something, to get over him."" ""lf only someone would take my hand and guide me."" ""Oh Lord, take me by the hand." "I will follow you without resistance."" "Come on." "Let's go." ""To our father"" ""6 months later You were my only love"" "Newlyweds, look this way!" "Smile." "Great!" "Long live the bride!" "You sure this isn't a mistake?" " You think it's a mistake?" " No, do you?" "No..." "The priest's creating a doubt." " lt's a sign." " l don't like that guy!" "The priest just called." "A little mishap, he drove into a ditch." "He's dead." "No, he's not." "I just had him on the phone." "Anything I ever did or said was not against you." "Against who, then?" "Against no one." "Maybe myself." "You're in analysis?" "With Valerie?" "No, I'm not in analysis." " Cut it out." " What?" "I'm terribly attached to you." " That's not nice." " Why?" " Because you hurt me." " You hurt me, too." "Sure." "Shall we look for a solution?" "A solution to what?" "There's no problem." "But couldn't we find a half-way solution?" "Half-way?" "Like what?" "If I sit here..." "And you let me hold you..." "You sure?" "There, it's simple." "We met half-way." "It's simple..." "Not at all unsettling." "I don't want a compromise, Francois." "I lost you, but accept the fact you lost me." " lt's over, that's how it is." " That's sad." "Sure, it's sad." " Nothing to be done?" " No, nothing at all." "is it too late?" "No, it's not too late." "What game are you playing?" "Aren't you with someone?" "Remember when we celebrated Yom Kippur?" " Cut it out." " What?" "You can't hound me with that forever." "Why not?" "It was funny." "No, it wasn't." "What's wrong, doesn't Jessica mess up?" " So you're bored, you miss it?" " Yes, I miss it." "What're you doing after the wedding?" "After the wedding?" "What're you doing?" "Wait." "What're you doing?" "Stay." "What are you now?" "Maoist, Protestant, Buddhist?" "I'm Burgundian." "I'm Burgundian." "That's fantastic!" " How many chicks have you had?" " l have no one." " What?" "Did Jessica dump you?" " lt's over." " What about the babe at the movies?" " l'm not with anyone." "Let's go home together after?" "You leaving, it's over?" "Give me a ride home." "Florence..." " You don't believe in anything." " l believe in you." " You don't believe in God, in love..." " l said, I believe in you." " Like a houseplant." " l believe in you." "Like a houseplant." " What do we do?" " Say yes, darling." " What do we do?" " Say yes to everything." "Michelle?" "Michelle..." "What?" "Did you do it on purpose?"