French Teacher, The (2019)

[bunniefuu]

Cleo, hi.

I think your father isn't

doing so well today.

He hasn't eaten since yesterday,

and I don't really know

what to do anymore.

Okay, I'm in the

middle of a tutoring session

right now.

Do you think you can

come over after?

Yes.

Sure.

Great, thanks.

Julio, hi,

I'm sorry I can't make it today.

I have to go to school again

after my tutoring session.

How's he doing?

He's sleeping now.

He ate some fruit.

I think you should come

over and see him tomorrow.

Good, at least

he ate something, right?

Listen, could you do me a favor?

I have to call a new student,

and I was wondering if you could stay

longer with him on the weekend.

Think you could do that?

I'll think about it, okay?

Oh, thanks, Julio.

I don't care about the nickel.

I want to do something for Mr. Cartwright.

Before they k*ll him.

From outside you mean?

That's the way it's gotta be.

They were kings and stuff.

Julio?

Yeah, Cleo.

Hi.

Hi, how are you?

Good, good.

Listen, I'm sorry I couldn't

make it this afternoon.

I was really busy all day.

You know, new session students.

I understand.

Anyway, I left

your check in the mailbox.

Oh, thank you.

No problem, I just

got a lift from a friend

and we happened to be

passing by your neighborhood.

No big deal.

Did you think about what we talked about?

Yeah, I think

I might be able to do it.

Oh my God,

great, thank you, Julio.

You're welcome.

Is this Intermediate French II?

Yes.

Hi, I'm new here.

I'm confused.

Well, the class doesn't

start for another 15 minutes.

- Oh, seriously?

- Mm hmm.

Can I just wait here til then?

Sure.

If you want to.

Thanks.

That was an awesome class today.

Thanks.

I'm glad to hear that Rimbaud

didn't scare you away.

No, not quite.

Listen, we're having a

welcoming party next week

for the new students, so

I hope you can join us.

For sure.

Great, so I'll see you next class.

Sounds good.

You want one?

Oh, no thanks, I quit.

You know, I heard you can't

really quit being a smoker.

Like you can go without

a cigarette for 10 years,

but put one in your mouth,

you'll be right back at it.

I believe it's true.

Actually, sorry if this is rude,

but if you're trying to quit,

why are you hanging around

the smoking section?

Because sometimes it's

easier to be close to something

you really desire, even

if you know can't have it,

than try to avoid it entirely.

That's an interesting idea.

I don't know, I don't

think I could be around

something I want without

trying to take it.

Well, I feel that longing

is what really makes

somebody feels alive.

Anyway, different people

have different way

of navigating through life,

and I guess that's what makes us

so fascinating as a species.

Right?

Sure.

Break is over.

Can I ask you something?

Sure.

I'm interested in taking

some private French classes,

try to speed up my progress.

Well, you know you can talk to Sabine

at the front desk, and she'll look

into opens for you.

Totally, I just, I

like the way you teach.

Is there anyway I could take

one-on-one classes from you?

No, my schedule's really full.

I don't want to take any more students,

but, hey, listen, we have a lot

of really good teachers here,

and I'm sure we can find someone

that can meet your needs.

Tell you what, why

don't you think about it,

and if you change your

mind, here's my number.

Okay.

Julio?

Cleo.

Hey, hi, I'm sorry

I couldn't make it this week.

You know, it just got really busy.

How's he doing?

Well, he's been

asking for you a lot,

but, other than that, I

think he's doing okay.

He's doing better.

Okay, has he been eating at all?

Yeah, he managed

to eat quite a bit today.

Well that's good.

I'll try to come over next week.

All right, see you then.

Take care.

Thanks, bye.

Bye bye.

Try one, one, just one.

Okay.

It's good, huh?

Hey.

Hey.

What's up?

Fine.

Cool, did you think at

all about what I asked you?

Uh, what?

Sorry.

The tutoring.

I talked to the front desk,

but I'd really like to

have classes with you.

I like the way you teach.

I think we can do it on the weekend.

Is that good?

So we could start tomorrow?

I have errands tomorrow.

How about the evening?

Perfect.

Cool.

Cool.

All right.

- It's a good party, huh?

- Yeah.

- Yeah, it's good.

- Fine.

This is a good party?

I think, it's nice.

Well, I don't really

care, but as a teacher

I think it's a great occasion for you guys

to get to know each other

and practice French.

Is anybody speaking French?

I need to go to the bathroom.

See you.

There you are.

Hey.

You always leave without saying goodbye?

Ever since I was young.

That's what we call a.

What are you doing here then?

Waiting for my ride.

I'll give you a ride.

No, no, it's okay, they're on their way.

How long?

10 minutes.

It's Friday.

You sure?

Yes, I am sure.

Well I'm gonna go then.

Okay, go.

All right, well, bye.

Ditto.

Have a good night.

You really

gone make me leave you

waiting here all alone?

You're a very persistent

boy, you know that?

I'll take it.

I like this song.

It's this indie French band.

That's interesting.

What kind of music do you like?

Oh, I like all sort of things.

I like Pink Floyd, Mozart, Leonard Cohen.

I like all kinds of stuff,

probably because growing up, my parents

played everything from

classical music to Queen.

Good for you.

So many kids your age like Justin Beaver.

Oh my gosh,.

Uh, Bieber.

Uh huh.

How old do you think I am?

Too young.

Why'd you move here?

Well, you know, the usual,

fell in love, got married.

He died seven years ago.

Oh, I'm sorry.

There you go.

Thank you so much for the ride.

Of course.

So you'll let me know tomorrow

if we can start lessons?

- Yes, I will.

- Sounds good.

- Good night.

- Good night.

Sleep tight.

I surely will.

I'm going to get something to drink.

Can I get you anything?

Water's good.

Thanks.

It's my best friend's birthday tonight.

You going?

Yeah, but...

Great.

Lesson's not over yet.

Oh, no, no, no, it's already,

we're done for the day.

I didn't realize I'd

been here that long.

Well, it's already ten o'clock.

You should come.

Where?

To the party.

No, no, no, I don't think so.

It's gonna be fun.

I'm sure, but it's okay.

You don't like having fun?

Yes, I like having fun.

Oh, really?

Mm hmm.

So you'll come to the party?

Take me home.

I'm too old for that sh*t.

What?

You're not old, relax, it's gonna be fun.

No, no, no, goodnight.

Come on, well, hold on, close the door.

What?

Just close the door.

Better be good.

Can you tell me, how do you say

this in French?

No, no, you go ahead,

I smoked way too much

of it in high school.

You go ahead, you have fun.

You sure?

Mm hmm, I'm sure.

One hit.

Ooh!

What?

What, nothing!

Okay.

Okay, fine,

fine, I lied to you, okay?

I never smoke weed before.

Ah, did your

lose your light weed ribbon?

- Yes I did.

- Ah, classic.

Here.

- I'm such a klutz.

- Am I, like,

is this like a bad influence moment

because I'm pretty into it.

- Even CPR.

- At least we have

a good attitude about it.

Take it easy.

Take it easy.

Or, of course, don't take it easy.

That was the other option, hit it.

Teach me some more bad words in French.

Really?

Yeah, my understanding is that swearing

is an integral part of

being a functioning member

of French society, so, you know,

it's imperative that I

know how to say f*ck you.

You got it.

- Is that it?

- Yeah, yeah!

Aw, sick!

I'm gonna hit somebody with that

today, tonight, look out party.

Oh my God, that's pretty good.

You know, it reminds me,

I used to teach French

in juvie, you know, bad a*s kids.

So they would behave during the classroom,

if they were really good,

the last five minutes,

I would be teaching them

cuss word in French.

Wow.

If I had just done like a little graffiti

when I was 14, I could've

been in your class?

Oh my God, so we had a math teacher,

and she was a real c**t, you know,

yeah, she used to wear

tight, like, her pants.

So when she would walk in my classroom,

interrupting everybody, and she look

at one of my students, and she said,

Eddie, how do you say love math in French?

He said.

Oh, oh,.

Oh, it sounds so romantic!

Oh my God, oh my God,

the kids went ape sh*t!

That was quite a story.

I love, I love to teach.

I can see why.

I never knew you had it in you.

You seem so straight in class.

Yeah, I fooled you.

Yep.

What else you want to know?

How do you say m*therf*cker?

Pucker your lips like

you're about to kiss.

You know, here, I should show you,

there's this other way to

smoke, here, check it out.

What?

That's it.

Party's over.

All right, come on,

we'll just go inside the party, come on.

Oh no, no, no.

I can't, I can.

Look, my eyes all red and sh*t.

What, what?

You're a beautiful woman.

You want a beer?

I don't like beer.

Don't they have any wine here?

Uh, there's coconut water.

Oh, come on, no wine?

You Americans are so tacky.

How could you have a party and no wine?

I'm not going to take that personally.

I'm thinking about that

coconut water, though.

Wanna go outside?

I know you said you quit,

but maybe the temptation

is just too strong?

Is that a dare?

You tell me.

Don't tempt me.

- No?

- No.

All right.

- Bad idea.

- Hey, Matt.

Helen, hey.

- How are you?

- I'm good, I'm good.

How you been?

I'm good, it's been a while.

Yeah, absolutely.

Yeah, how are things?

They're great.

- Yeah?

- They're great, fantastic.

Yeah, I'm leaving next month.

I'm going to Paris.

I saw that on Facebook, that's great.

Yeah, it's finally happening.

We're gonna miss you.

Well, I'm sure that's an exaggeration.

Not really, not really.

All right, very cool.

Hey, can I get a cigarette?

Uh, I think I need

to go to the restroom.

Do you want me to come with you?

No, no, don't worry, I won't get lost.

Okay, well it's down

the hall to the left.

Uh huh.

- Thank you.

- Of course.

So things are good?

Oh my God, I could not believe.

Who was that old hag?

I think she's his mother.

No, I can't believe

he would take his mother

to the party.

Good morning, mademoiselle.

May I?

You're already here, aren't you?

Okay?

What?

Are you okay?

Yeah.

Do you know

you're very beautiful?

Oh God, please.

The most

beautiful woman in the world.

Stop it.

It's an

ancient cleaning technique.

I need absolute concentration.

You kiss me like a chicken.

All right, now you do me.

Your chest is

more hairy than mine.

Yeah, probably

a little, probably a little.

But, exactly, that's what I'm saying.

You should let that little baby grow out.

Soothe the cable.

What, the hair?

- Could be funny.

- Well, well, I don't shave.

What,.

Okay, I see where you're going with that.

Oops, I dropped the soap.

Should I pick it up?

No, leave it.

And furthermore, I promises

two cans of spinach for every part.

Here's me past record, folks,

which speaks for itself.

You double-crosser,

steal my voters, will you?

Crazy.

I seem to remember lots of things

that you're trying to forget.

I don't want to smoke anymore.

Good.

It's bad for you.

Oh, it doesn't mean I want to quit.

Ladies, before we begin,

I'd like to say I am

extremely sorry for your loss.

Leon was a remarkable man.

Let's get started, shall we?

So he entitled you to the house

and the house in Big Bear,

as well as monetary

investments and titles.

Hold on, you said Big Bear?

Yes, a house.

Well, more like a cabin.

You guys weren't aware?

No, I had no idea, he never

said anything about that.

Your dad loved surprises.

Well, are you sure he

never mentioned it to you?

May I continue?

Yes.

So I just need you to

sign the highlighted areas

of the following pages.

These are all the numbers of his accounts,

and the key to the cabin.

That's it, just here?

Yes, thank you.

You're welcome.

That'll be it.

Thanks.

So, when are we going to go to Big Bear,

check out that cabin?

I'm not sure, maybe next week.

I have to take some

time off of work first.

I'm going to New York next week.

Oh, my God.

This is so ugly.

It so ugly that it's cool.

I love it.

Oh my God.

Look at, look at all this.

Oh, Jesus.

Yeah, for the matching tie.

Oh my God.

Oh, God, no.

Oh my God.

He's totally f*cking you.

So good to see you laugh.

I found some old boxes in the garage.

Thank you.

I don't know what we'd

do without you, Julio.

Julio, did you know

that Mom has a boyfriend?

Really?

Is that why you have been

so hard to get ahold of?

I'm going to the car to get something.

No way.

Do you know who it is?

No idea.

I'll find out.

Tell me.

Oh, I will.

I'll be taking this downstairs.

I'll be back, okay?

Okay.

Thank you, Julio.

You're welcome.

God, she was so pretty.

Yeah.

I think at the ending,

they finally learned to love each other.

He was not the best husband, you know.

Cheated on her.

The apple doesn't

fall far from the tree.

I can't have a boyfriend without cheating.

We're not perfect, Sophie.

I made a lot of mistakes,

but I tried.

I know, I know.

Mom.

Are you ever going to drive again?

No.

Mom, the

accident was so long ago.

You know, you're not the

only one that lost him,

and why don't you keep any pictures of him

around the house?

My house, my rules.

How could I forget?

Oh la la, how old are you?

You're acting like a teenager.

Talking to your boyfriend?

No.

Okay.

Oh my God, I love this song.

Hi, uh, Sabine?

No, I'm Lisa.

Sabine is on her break.

Can I help you?

Yeah, I'm Cleo's daughter.

She asked me to give these to Marie.

Do you know where Sabine is?

Uh, no, actually I don't.

Okay.

You new here?

No, I speak French fluently.

So you're a teacher?

No.

Marie is in a meeting right now,

but, if you want, I can take it for her.

Oh, thank you.

You're so kind.

You're welcome.

So you're fluent?

Yeah, yeah, it's my first language.

Where are you from?

I'm from here, but I should go.

It's nice to meet you guys.

Sorry, do

you know where Sabine is?

She's on her break.

Oh my God!

Can you stop complaining?

Just relax, be happy.

I am relaxed!

Okay, well be happy!

You know, it's always my fault,

it's never your fault, right?

You just need to get laid.

What?

I knew it, I knew it!

With that guy Matthew, you're f*cking him.

Oh come on, don't be so vulgar.

Okay, well, tell me about him.

Oh, oh, is he an old

fox like George Clooney?

No, beside, George Clooney

only likes young girls.

Oh, lucky me.

He's hot.

He's married, forget about him.

I know.

To what, a lawyer

or something?

Mm hmm.

You know, they kind of look alike.

You're right, I know, I

read something about that

the other day online,

and according to the the

issue's psychologist,

we're much more inclined to fall in love

with someone who looks related to us.

- Ew.

- Yeah, gross, right?

Which is explaining why incest is a taboo

all over the world.

You know, nobody wants to

give birth to an inbred,

right?

Ew!

God!

Ew, Mom.

What?

Does Matthew look like your brother?

Oh, come on!

Okay, okay, time out.

When's your flight on Thursday?

Thank you.

Thank you.

Now what are you going to do

with all of his things?

I think I'm just gonna

give it away to charity.

He'd love that.

- Yeah.

- That's good.

Thank you so much for

being there for him.

It meant a lot to me.

Me, too.

I want you to have something from him.

It's his medical bracelet.

Oh.

No, I have the rental car.

Yeah, I forgot.

Sophie.

So, I'm not going to do

anything I don't like to do.

Okay.

Okay,.

Okay, okay, see you soon.

Right.

Surprise!

Mom, it's fine, he said

I could take it next week.

You okay?

Yeah, yeah, I just didn't

expect you to be here,

that's all.

You sure?

Yeah, I'm sure.

Okay.

Look, I know that you like your space,

but I just didn't want you

to drive to Big Bear alone.

Oh, Mom, Mom.

Hi.

Hi.

What are you doing here?

What are you doing here?

Wait, wait, you know each other?

How do you know each other?

Mom, what's going on?

Mom?

This is your daughter?

Yes, yes.

Matthew, it's to a good

time for you to be here.

Okay.

Oh, wait, I'm sorry.

Matthew?

Like the Matthew, your boyfriend?

Oh, Mama, what the hell?

That's disgusting, Mom.

He was flirting with me the other day.

You were flirting with her?

No, I was not, I was

not flirting with you.

I was being polite.

Oh, oh my god, I

think I know the difference

between flirting and being polite, okay?

Okay, you cut it out, you two.

I'm going to Big Bear on my own.

See you.

I was just being polite.

I'm gonna come in.

Ooh hoo, so

this is grandpa's man cave.

Man cave?

It doesn't have a party room.

Look at all the tchotchkes.

I would have liked

to collect all that crap.

No, I'm just saying, you seemed

pretty excited to send

me off to New York, so.

- Hi.

- Hi.

Hi.

You know, Matthew, it was

so nice of you to drive us.

- For sure.

- We really, really

appreciate it,

and I think there's going to be

a pretty bad storm later today.

The roads are gonna get kind of gross, so.

Yeah, I heard, actually.

I was looking on my phone.

It looks like it's gonna hit pretty soon.

Do you think, sorry, would it be all right

if I stayed the night?

Sure, sure you can.

I mean, yeah, but

the roads are fine now.

It's still pretty sunny, so.

Or you could just drive

nearby and get a hotel.

Matthew, you're welcome.

Is she okay, or?

I'm sorry, she's a little feisty.

I think she get it from her mother.

For sure.

Maybe it's better if you

sleep on the couch tonight.

No.

Matthew, come on, no sad eyes.

- I love you.

- Oh, come on now.

You just want to f*ck the French teacher.

No.

I love you.

Stop saying that.

Okay.

Sorry for all the trouble.

Don't.

It's my fault anyway.

I think I left something in my car.

I should go get it.

Okay.

Yeah.

So, Matt, what do you do?

I'm a musician.

I play the piano and cello.

Oh, that's interesting.

I'm a filmmaker.

Oh, cool, I love films.

I would love to do some scoring some day.

Oh my God, we should work together.

I mean, you know, since we're kind of all

becoming a little family here.

Where are you going?

To the kitchen.

Why?

Why?

Will you get some more wine?

- No.

- Why?

- I'm not getting more.

- Why?

You're very drunk.

Oh, I think that I'm old enough,

and our little friend

Matt here is old enough

to make, you know, our

own decisions, right?

Right, Matt?

Okay.

Guess I'll just get it myself.

What?

Oh, you don't want me to be French

with your little baby boyfriend?

Oh, that's right, I forgot.

You only like to spend time with people

who aren't related to you.

No.

You want some more wine?

Um, okay, sure.

Okay.

Thanks.

Yeah.

Here you go.

Thank you.

So, you were saying you're a musician.

Yes.

So why are you

taking French classes?

'Cause in a

month I'm going to Paris

to study there.

Oh my God, me, too.

Not, me too, I mean, I want to.

I want to, for film school.

I just love French films.

I mean, European films, actually.

Yeah, me, too,

I love European films.

Really?

Wow, it's so rare to

come across an American

who, you know, has an

appreciation for European films.

I mean, most Americans don't even watch

foreign films, right?

That's true, yeah.

I was talking to somebody the other day

who works in film, and

he had never even heard

of Varda or Kubrick.

Oh my God, okay, no, no!

That guy was a d*uche,

he doesn't work in film,

he plays with his little film toys.

He was an American, naturally.

Of course, of course, he was.

So what's your favorite French film?

I really like The 400 Blows.

That is crazy.

Me, too.

- Oh.

- Me, too, it's my favorite.

It's my favorite.

Okay, so, this is kind

of a cliche question,

but I think that you can

tell a lot about a person

by their answer, so Godard or Truffaut?

Truffaut.

Shut up, me, too, me, too!

I mean, Godard, he has my

heart 'cause he's amazing,

but Truffaut, I mean.

I mean, I like Godard, too,

but I think I prefer Truffaut.

Yeah.

Cleo, do you prefer Truffaut?

I like them both.

So you were saying

that you wanted to work

in scoring for film?

You know, that movie

No Country for Old Men,

it has no music in it.

Really?

Mm hmm, it's true.

No, I didn't know that.

Yeah, that's because it's so well done.

You just didn't notice,

but next time you watch it, pay attention.

Hello, where are you

going with those desserts?

To the kitchen.

If you want some more, come and get it.

Uh, okay, thank you.

I need a cigarette, do you smoke?

Uh, yeah, but...

Oh, she doesn't like

it when we smoke inside

so we gotta go outside.

Come on, let's go.

Okay.

No, I actually did almost

throw up in that class.

Yeah, for sure.

Oh my God, I've never been back.

It's ridiculous.

- I know.

- I went to one once

like to support my friend 'cause, like,

he knew the instructor and it was like,

Matt, go to this class

for like a social reason.

And I went, and I looked

at him halfway through,

and I was like, you owe me.

It sucked.

It's horrible.

- It's horrible.

- Horrible.

Stop screaming at me.

What are you guys up to?

Oh, just didn't want to get

the cigarette smoke inside.

It's kind of cool outside.

Yeah, I'm just about done here.

Let's go inside.

Uh, I'll come in when I'm done.

You want some more of that?

Sure, sure,

but it's not what I want right now.

What, what do you want?

You.

- Yeah?

- Yeah.

I don't think it's a good idea,

you know.

She's outside.

Okay, I want some more wine.

What you need

is a glass of water.

I'm fine, I don't need water.

You know, one thing I really have to give

this family credit for

is our taste in music.

Wow.

- Right?

- Yeah.

That's an impressive collection.

I know, I know.

Oh, f*ck.

Okay, it's not working.

But that's okay, you

can just play something

on your phone, right?

Sure.

Here.

Oh, I love this song.

That's enough.

What is your problem?

Can you put

the music back on, please?

This is not a party here.

Well I wanna dance!

Oh, finally.

I look like you when you

cheated on my father.

You f*cking coward!

I'm sorry you had to see that.

It's okay, I don't always get along

with my mom, either.

Sophie, are you okay?

Leave me alone!

Damn it, I told

you not to drink like a pig.

f*ck off!

Like a fish you mean?

What?

Drink like a fish.

Oh, okay.

Well, big fish, horses,

you still have to sleep

on the couch tonight.

Bummer.

Oh, my head is k*lling me.

Do you have any soda?

Okay, Mom, I don't want to

listen to your little speeches.

Do you have any aspirin.

There's no medication in this house?

Why are you so f*cking annoying?

Now I see why Dad did what he did.

Even before you cheated on

him, he couldn't stand you.

You have no idea what

you're talking about.

He told me you cheated on him.

Sophie, I don't want to talk about it.

Look out, Matt, my

mom cheats on her men.

Sorry.

Do you want to talk about

what happened this morning?

I'm a little confused.

Sure.

It's kind of complicated.

Sounds like.

Is there anyway it might

help to talk about it?

Sophie and I argued about

her father last night.

I'm not the best person.

It's not a competition.

My mother used to tell me

to marry someone who loves

me more than I love him.

That was Sophie's father.

After she was born, things changed,

and I became invisible.

And I just wanted to be desired again.

So I went out

and met with this friend.

I know I should've just got the hell out

and run with my life, but I couldn't.

Stuck around.

One night, I didn't come home.

Then when I went home the next morning,

he was drunk, waiting for me,

and he dragged me by the

arm down the driveway,

yelling that Sophie was too young to see

a wh*re in real life.

He shoved me into the car.

The last thing I remember was

his dead eyes looking at me.

And he jumped the median

and drove us across oncoming traffic.

I'm sorry.

It's not your fault.

No need to apologize.

Just an old wound now,

but I keep on picking at the scabs.

Come here.

Think we should go look for her?

Even though

she's doing that to me?

What if something happened to her?