(Bellini's "Casta Diva")
(Quick breathing)
(Gasps loudly)
(Lights match)
(Quick breathing continues)
(Breathing slows down)
(Birds chirping outside)
Here, sweetheart.
Thanks.
- Your cross on the floor didn't work.
- Oh.
- Same nightmare as always?
- As always.
Can you help me?
Yes. Of course.
- There.
- Will he like my dress?
I've no idea, you know...
I hardly know him.
(Whispering) I beg of you,
make him love me.
(Pensive instrumental music)
(Music intensifies)
(Dogs barking)
(Music continues)
(Music slows down)
(Music stops)
(Grunts)
(Footsteps)
Monsieur Deluc.
Good day.
It was open, so I came in.
You did right.
She's coming.
It's just that it was a long trip.
- She'd rather you not see her like that.
- Like what?
(Birds chirping)
Here...
It's for you. She embroidered it.
It took her a long time.
She can do lots of things.
Reading and even writing.
You have the money?
Of course.
- There.
- Thanks.
(Hunting horn)
Excuse me.
Be right back.
(Flies buzzing)
Good day.
Putting it out of its misery, see?
(Hunting horn)
You should go in. It's better.
(Dogs barking in distance)
(Horse neighs)
(Horse neighs)
(Growling)
(Horse neighs)
(All growling)
(Footsteps)
(Wood creaking)
Some water?
No, thank you.
(Glass clinks)
(Pouring water)
Something you don't want to say?
You're not a virgin, is that it?
(Scoffs) As if I care.
Thank goodness. Me neither.
(Sighs)
Your dress...
I'm a simple man.
I made it myself.
Oh.
The ruffles
are complicated to stitch.
(Soft chuckle)
(Grunts softly)
I...thought this.
A bit creased,
but it should be all right.
Huh?
There.
(Clears his throat)
- I have something to say.
- Yes.
I don't want a childless life.
I have a list of names.
- Isn't it a bit early?
- Why wait?
It must be quite something.
Someone loving you like that.
Unconditionally.
I guess so.
Saint Wilgefortis, make him keep me.
You're asleep?
You really think he'll understand?
(Bell ringing)
Excuse me!
Sir!
How can I help?
I'm looking for Barcelin.
- I'll fetch him.
- Thanks.
(Whistling and clanking noises)
Abel.
- How are you?
- Well.
- Your dowry?
- Yes.
You know it's not enough.
My offer still stands.
You know the caf's all I have.
Now I provide workers' refreshments,
it's pointless.
How'll you cope with your back?
Leave it out of this.
I'm not alone anymore.
I have someone to help.
Congratulations.
Yes.
See you again.
See you again.
(Quick footsteps)
(Knocking)
Time to go.
Yes. Uh... We're ready.
(Door creaking)
And you, Rosalie...
...do you promise Abel
to respect him?
Do you promise
to live in truth with him?
Tell him, "Yes, I promise."
Yes, I promise.
(Sorrowful instrumental music)
(Dog barking in distance)
Thank you.
(Music continues)
(Music slows down)
(Music stops)
Father?
Father?
(Running footsteps)
He left this for you.
Father! Father!
Stay longer, please.
Just one night. Please.
I'll visit next summer.
What if he spurns me?
Accept your woman's lot.
Hey!
(Sighs deeply)
(Sighs deeply)
(Door opens)
Please...
...come.
(Inhales deeply)
(Exhales)
I want to see you.
Please. Let me look at you.
Don't be afraid.
(Abel breathing quickly)
Come closer.
Closer.
It's all right.
Don't move.
You're entitled to be angry.
Don't be afraid, please.
Don't touch me!
(Sobbing)
(Dog barking outside)
We paid you.
What were you two thinking?
That I'd accept that for 15,000 francs?
It took him years to save the money.
You've seen doctors?
There's no remedy?
Father tried everything
when I was little.
- You were born with it?
- It's not a disease you catch.
At first, Father hid me.
Then he began shaving me.
So nobody found out.
Shame, I suppose.
You'll go back home.
You lied to me.
Told me a monstrous lie.
Monstrous?
(Jean) Abel?
Don't move.
Do not move.
- Abel?
- Yes.
Look.
I'll sell her at the summer fair.
- How much can I ask for her?
- I don't know.
(Jean) I can get
at least 150, right?
I'm Rosalie, his wife.
Pleased to meet you.
What would you like?
I'll have a coffee, please.
A coffee?
Yes. You know how to make coffee?
Of course.
Come on.
- You knew?
- No.
(Rosalie) It's quite hot.
(Pierre) Thanks.
(Insects chirping outside)
I'm the one who should sleep here.
You were wounded in combat?
We can talk, can't we?
Move along.
I hoped...
What?
I hoped you'd be different.
I hoped you wouldn't be.
You realise it's unexpected?
What were you expecting?
I was expecting a woman.
Quite simply.
A woman.
Not a...
Go on... Get out.
(Quick piano music)
(Strings join in)
(Music intensifies)
Thought this might be of interest.
(Music stops)
Beautiful.
Very beautiful.
This too.
- Where'd you find it?
- On the path.
Near the bridge, after the ruins.
Where did you plan to go?
What is it to you?
Up.
I'll take you back.
(Hopeful piano music)
(Strings join in)
(Sighs)
(Music intensifies)
(Music stops)
Here.
- (Barcelin) The rest?
- It's all I could do.
I need more time.
There is no more time.
Why refuse to sell? You'd be set up.
Think it over.
You've known Abel long?
I served in his unit.
I stopped by,
found a job at the mill.
Nobody bothers me here.
I like it.
It's quiet.
Too quiet, don't you think?
No one comes to this caf?
The master frowns
on workers in taverns.
Sad. We're not children.
A drink keeps you from brooding.
Rules are rules.
(Sighs)
"The Lobster Woman. One of a kind."
Four francs! Bit steep.
- You saw her?
- Mm.
In town, the market hall.
(Laughs)
It's difficult to miss her. She's...
She's unwatchable.
Likely an accident, poor thing.
She's not a real phenomenon.
You think?
What is a real phenomenon?
Women like you?
(Bell ringing)
All right...
(Ringing stops)
The horrors of w*r, we all saw them.
Real ones. We had our fill.
Abel's very lucky to have you now.
Come on, now. Get a move on.
(Bell ringing)
(Glass smashes)
What on earth?
Augustine, why'd you do that?
What on earth?
Sorry, ma'am.
It's fine.
Do you want some hot milk?
(Pierre) Jeanne!
Hurry. Stop daydreaming.
Come on, we'll be late.
Come on.
(Bell ringing)
(Soft harmonising music)
THE LOBSTER WOMAN
(Softly) Saint Wilgefortis,
give me your strength.
(Music stops)
Take it.
A woman with a beard, that's one.
Last time, you asked
what a real phenomenon was.
I'm telling you.
A bearded woman is one.
- You never see any.
- True, it's very rare.
They're often fake beards.
If I let mine grow out...
...you'd see a real one.
Play. She's fooling you.
Want a bet? How much?
Nonsense.
- (Rosalie) 15 francs?
- A lady shouldn't talk like that.
Thirty? Thirty-five?
Forty.
It's a bet.
Come back in one month. You'll see.
Abel, what's your wife saying?
Joking, I hope.
- What came over you?
- How'll you pay your debts?
Nobody comes to your caf.
It drums up custom.
People are curious.
They pay good money
to see these things.
And I'll be of use to you.
It's worth a try.
Who knows, perhaps you'll like it.
(Women laughing in distance)
- Like it?
- Mm.
Yes.
It looks alive.
Thanks, Abel.
- (Knocking)
- (Woman) Coming!
So...
What's she like?
Is she pretty?
Do you keep your clothes on
with her?
She must have something
if you chose her.
(Laughs)
(Approaching footsteps)
It's a bet, nothing more.
I'll shave afterwards, I promise.
I'm only trying to help.
(Quick instrumental music)
(Music stops)
Abel's here.
Abel.
We've finished.
Thanks. Put it there.
It took me a long time, but...
...it turned out well.
Yours for 100. 100 francs.
Take it off what I owe.
Thanks, Abel.
You captured the expression.
Well...
What are these rumours
I hear in my mill?
People gossiping about your wife.
People spout nonsense, as usual.
(Door closes)
Can I come in?
We need to talk.
Open the door.
Look, people are talking...
I've had enough.
I'll inform your father.
Let's see what he thinks.
Please, don't.
He'll k*ll me if he sees this.
Don't do it.
They'll humiliate you.
I know them. They're brutes.
You've no idea of the danger.
(Closes door)
(Bell ringing)
(Ringing continues)
(Ringing stops)
(Inhales deeply)
(Exhales)
(Indistinct chatter downstairs)
So? The big day?
We can't wait.
(Exhales)
(Overlapping chatter)
Ah.
(Silence)
(Inhales)
(Exhales)
It's real?
Check for yourself.
It brings good luck apparently.
You laugh?
You're beautiful, Rosalie.
Unbelievable!
(Rosalie) Ladies, come on in,
take a seat.
What would you like?
(Overlapping chatter and laughter)
It's not so serious.
Nothing ever is with you.
Business was good, I believe.
(Slow tinkling music)
(Piano joins in)
Thank you.
(Strings join in)
(Abel exhales)
All this money
will pay back Barcelin.
You don't have to keep the...
A bit longer and we can redecorate.
Wooden walls are old-fashioned.
We could organise a party too.
Put a piano under the stairs.
- You can play?
- No, but I can learn.
Oh, you'll learn...
Why not?
I'd play music for customers.
I dreamed of being musical.
People came to see
if it was true, that's all.
But they'll keep coming.
We could hire service help
to relieve us.
It was simple curiosity.
It's a good start.
I don't embarrass you?
(Abel) You'll see...
Soon,
people will be bored with it all.
Believe me.
(Journalist) Here goes...
Smile.
Are you ready?
- Look at me.
- (Rosalie) With pleasure.
Now the questions.
- If you don't mind.
- Please, go ahead.
Relax. I'm not from the police.
What's your current occupation?
I run the caf with Abel.
What are the customers like?
Meaning?
How do they react to your presence?
You mean my face?
You want a touch?
I only ask
since so many people think it's fake.
Lots of idiots.
Bemused that I don't hide.
Who'd rather see me
at a fairground, I suppose.
Or a cave deep in the forest.
Luckily, that's not everyone.
(Scribbling)
It's never simple to be a woman.
Smile, please.
Here goes...
Perfect.
We can make up cards
with your photographs.
Folks love souvenirs.
Fashionable and simple.
Leave it all to me.
Why not?
You still don't want to talk?
How does one live with this?
Out of love?
The profit motive?
(Pierre) Abel.
How are you?
Pierre!
- Enough now.
- Stop, don't!
Go home! Sleep it off!
Say, what's it like
to live with a monster?
Get lost!
You're hurting me.
What do you want? What?
She has ba*ls under the hair?
Tell me.
She got ba*ls under there?
Get lost or you'll regret it.
I asked you a question! Answer me!
That's what you like?
Monkey women?
(Mimics monkey)
Stop, Pierre.
You want trouble?
Shut up! Shut that mouth!
Shut it!
(Grunts)
(Exhales)
(Abel) Thanks.
- Doctors told you to wear it?
- Yes.
Don't always listen to them.
It weighs a tonne. It's t*rture.
Thank you.
I'll be fine.
Tomorrow, shave that beard off.
(High-pitched instrumental music)
(Music continues)
(Moaning)
(Music intensifies)
Here you go.
Have a nice day.
(Jeanne) We're going to be late.
Augustine! Come on.
(Music continues)
I'll take a little rest.
You wanted to talk to me?
Since I'm here, no more nightmares.
A good sign, isn't it?
(Heavy breathing)
Another, sir?
Come in, gents.
A drink on the house?
No, thank you.
You know the mill rules
ban alcohol consumption?
I care deeply
about my workers' health.
No doubt.
I force no one.
They come for a chat and a laugh.
Your foreman Pierre
is off drink today?
You should be closed by now.
It's only six in the evening.
The w*r is over.
There's no more curfew.
Here. Ah!
I forgot this.
I care about my customers too.
This pantomime amuses you?
What pantomime?
Leaving already?
Yes, leaving already?
Shame.
Pierre.
I told you so.
The ideal woman.
(Journalist) Madame Rosalie?
The book.
(Meowing)
Eyes toward me.
Smile.
The flowers perhaps.
(Mumbles)
- Here goes. Ready?
- Yes.
Perfect.
Look, my lions adore music.
You'd play piano to them.
I'd have to learn first.
Oh. With a player piano,
you pretend.
No one will know.
It's not only a show.
We're a family too.
(Journalist) Don't stay
in this backwater forever.
The world wants to see you.
Your sourpuss husband.
He needs some more time.
Life is elsewhere.
I was worried.
I was expecting you last week.
I thought you must be sick.
Trouble with your caf again?
Pay me later if you want.
We don't have to make love
every time.
(Laughter)
(Jeanne) Play!
It's not funny.
- I win. No, I win!
- (Aminthe) I played an ace.
(Jeanne) True.
(Aminthe) You win this.
Weren't you staying over in town?
Sorry, I was expecting you tomorrow.
We'll go.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Good night.
Finish the game off?
Yes, why not?
- What are you playing?
- w*r.
The loser cleans up.
Great start.
That perfume on you smells nice.
You enjoyed yourself?
- I win!
- Yes.
I'm glad it makes you happy.
It's not still w*r.
Is it?
No.
Go to bed. I'll clean up.
- No, I'll do it.
- Leave it.
Leave it, I said. I'll do it.
(Dog barking outside)
(Floorboards creaking)
(Rosalie breathing heavily)
(Both moaning)
(Jeanne) Barcelin wants me
to stay away from you.
He acts like he's my father.
Never lets anyone do anything.
(Jeanne) J'aimerai toujours
Le temps des cerises
O l'on s'en va deux
Cueillir en rvant
J'aimerai
(Approaching footsteps)
Where were you?
Customers asked after you all day.
You can't just flit away.
I didn't want to today.
It's your responsibility.
It's your idea, not mine.
Come on.
Come on, please.
(Heavy breathing)
(Moaning)
(Abel) No.
No!
I can't.
Please!
It's a child you want,
not a husband.
So what?
I can't.
(Guitar and cajn playing)
(Singing in Spanish)
(Singing continues)
There you go.
Which is it to be?
That one.
Here, this is for you.
How sweet. What a pretty drawing.
(Rosalie) Do you want a card?
(Kid) Yes.
Thank you so much.
Here.
A rose.
Hello.
Hello.
- Get you a drink?
- With pleasure.
You can have a rose too.
- Hello, Rosalie.
- Hello.
I have to admit, she's odd but...
...lovely.
Really.
She, at least, is full of life.
(Singing and music continue)
As you seem to like her,
have a photo on me.
Take it.
(Jean) You like dancing, Rosalie?
(Rosalie) I love how she dances.
She's really good for her age.
Excuse me.
An excellent party, ma'am.
Thank you.
Your hat is very pretty.
Thank you.
All right?
It all went well?
Yes, the cards sold well.
Folks seemed happy.
That's good.
I reacted idiotically earlier.
I'm sorry.
Uh, I was thinking...
It occurred to me...
Perhaps you should go on tour
with your friends.
You could do an act with a bear.
So you can show off the rest.
You'd be a huge success.
Why not, if it entertains people.
- If it entertains people?
- Mm.
Ah. You like that, do you?
You're a sly one, aren't you?
You love ruining my life.
That's your game.
You strut around,
on parade in my caf.
After you lied to me, huh?
(Shouting) After you trapped me!
And what do you do?
You move in here and you strut!
On parade in my house!
In my caf!
You're out to humiliate me?
- Are you or not?
- Not at all.
Stay here! I'm not done! Stay!
I never asked for this!
Never!
Your damn money!
You can keep it!
I don't want it!
(Abel whispering)
You're scared of me?
You're scared of me!
(Banging furniture)
You think I'll hit you?
Me? I don't hit anyone!
I don't hit anyone!
It's just fine, thank you.
Better without the robe.
Here goes...
(Slow footsteps)
(Inhales deeply)
- What do you want?
- A drink.
On the house.
What brought him in?
He's lonely, like everyone.
(Sighing) I'm sorry.
(Bell ringing)
Barcelin blames me.
He says I'd been drinking.
- I hadn't. It's a lie.
- Calm down.
I spilled liquid that caught fire.
Don't worry, come on.
(Pastor) We wanted to remind you all
two important rules.
Article two...
(Whispering) Mr Barcelin saw her
at the river with Jeanne.
I don't know what she wants
with the girl, but that...woman
is a curse.
(Pastor) Alcohol comforts man
in his folly,
makes him unrecognisable.
I know not
who took him down that path.
Of course...
...our religion advocates forgiveness.
Forgiveness for each of us.
But we must keep
from certain temptations
and certain places that embody them.
Everywhere,
and even here,
in our community...
...places...
...of ill repute
where no man...
...no woman
can or should
be stripped of his dignity.
How dare you show your face?
And how dare you lie?
I'm not to blame for the accident.
Where and when
does he lose his dignity? In my caf?
Count yourself lucky
I don't have it shut down.
You're very sober today,
Mr Barcelin.
(Pastor continues)
Go in the peace, strength
and joy of Our Lord.
(Deep instrumental music)
Hello.
- Thank you!
- Don't touch her! Come here!
Don't forget the soap.
(Music stops)
You don't like it?
I don't recognise you.
It was on your advice, though.
It's not you.
What do you know?
It could make a great act.
Who knows?
- (Glass smashes)
- (Gasps)
(Panting)
CLOSED
Go upstairs and get some rest.
Leave that to me.
Listen to me.
- Leave it.
- Let go of me.
Let go!
Listen to me!
Stop making a scene!
You're like them. Scared.
Rosalie, stop this.
Listen, go up...
Go to your room now!
Get off me!
You think I didn't recognise you?
(Pierre spits)
It was your fault,
the accident at the mill.
- It wasn't. She didn't...
- Quiet!
What's this?
Huh?
What is this?
What were you two doing
at the river?
You disgust me.
That's no woman.
(Rosalie screams)
(Screaming)
(Hitting)
Leave me alone!
(Jeanne) Let go of her!
Let her go!
Let her go!
(Jeanne crying)
(Rosalie) Stop!
Let her go!
Let her go!
Abel!
We'll do your job for you.
(Abel) Get off me!
(Screaming stops)
Cut it!
Go on!
Disperse!
Get out of here!
Come on.
(Fire crackling)
- You're...
- Leave me alone.
- But you're...
- Don't touch me.
It's not very deep.
It will soon heal.
May I?
Go ahead.
Since when?
Since birth.
Sorry.
No visible protrusion
in the anterior triangle.
I'd noticed.
You have a healthy appetite?
Sleep well?
As well as anyone.
And your period is regular?
- If I may...
- Have done with it.
(Grunts softly)
Thank you.
You can dress.
People talk nonsense.
She's a woman.
However, a woman
who'll never bear children.
It's a particular hormone disorder.
She has cysts on her ovaries.
Very apparent to the touch.
I'm sorry.
Thank you, doctor.
(Coins rattling)
(Approaching footsteps)
(Door opens)
(Dogs howling)
(Indistinct shouting)
(Horse neighing)
(Dogs barking)
A womanly appearance
might right matters.
(Dogs barking)
(Sobbing)
Wake up.
Hear me? Time to get up.
- Get dressed.
- I told you, I won't work.
It's not about work.
Dress. I'll be waiting.
Very good.
Don't move.
That's good.
Sorry.
- Did I hurt you?
- No.
It's not as if...it needs
much doing.
Perfect. Very good.
(Bells ringing)
Second thoughts?
You're sure it's a good idea?
I have nothing against you, child.
God cares for all His creatures.
However,
are you sure about Augustine?
I won't deny
it's complicated with her.
She's a special case.
We're all special cases, aren't we?
It's a decision you made together?
Very well.
I'll pass on your request.
Come back to see us
for notification of a decision.
Thank you, Reverend Mother.
May the Virgin Mary be with you.
Can I touch it?
It's soft.
I have to go.
You'll come to the gala
to see me sing?
I promise.
(Abel exhales)
Thank you, Abel.
Yes.
- See you tomorrow.
- Good night.
Coming?
I can't swim.
It doesn't matter.
Nobody ever taught me.
I'll teach you.
(Dramatic instrumental music)
(Music continues)
(Rosalie moaning)
You're beautiful.
Very beautiful.
(Choral singing in distance)
Reverend Mother,
what are we waiting for?
(Nun) One of our
generous benefactors.
He sits on our supervisory board.
He sent us documents.
What documents?
(Footsteps)
Sisters, Abel...
Is that the posture and face
of a mother?
(Camilius) Life...
Life is full of surprises.
The incredible destiny of this...
...woman...
...whom nature endowed
with a pelt so soft...
...and silky.
Please applaud, if you will...
...Madame Rosalie...
...Deluc.
(Choir performs
Barber's "Agnus Dei")
(Music continues)
(Gasps)
(Panting)
(Music stops)
When I was little,
we'd roll a blazing wheel down a hill.
If it reached the river,
the harvest would be good.
I believed it. I found it beautiful.
Rosalie...
(Soft piano music)
Rosalie?
Ro...
(Music stops)
(Overlapping chatter)
I was scared I'd be late.
Sit down.
Madame Deluc...
...we weren't expecting you.
I had a promise to keep.
Please...
(Children start singing)
(Singing continues)
(Pastor) Thank you.
And thank you, Mr Barcelin.
This charity gala
will raise the funds we need
for all our orphans.
Please applaud him.
You're tired. You should go home.
I'm just fine.
I also thank you
for all you give to our community.
To love.
(Quiet melancholic music)
(Scissors snipping)
(Breathing)
(Snipping)
(Snipping)
(Rosalie grunts)
(Music intensifies)
(Music quickens)
(Paul) It's better for you.
And her, above all.
(Music continues)
(Abel) Rosalie!
(Whimpers)
Rosalie.
(Music intensifies)
(Music slows down, then stops)
(Soft piano music)
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Rosalie (2023)
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