Hélène, can you help me?
It's a lot.
They're enormous!
- Don't burn me with your cigarette. - No.
There!
- Anne, you're going too far. - Relax.
HAPPENING
Jeez! Wait.
Is that okay?
Watch out for your fingers.
And there we go.
So?
- You can't wear that. - Why not?
It's not that shocking.
If I were a man, I'd make love to me.
That's the problem.
- I didn't say I'd do it. - No telling with you.
My turn.
Want me to tighten it?
Yes.
You're crazy.
Hélène, you go next.
- No way. - Yes way.
Done?
Like it?
- Isn't it a lot? - Fine.
So Hélène, yes or no?
- No, I can't. - Why not?
- People will see. - That's the point.
- Come on! - No.
So just one thing.
We'll do this.
You prefer this?
My shoes squeak.
It's all I hear.
- I love this music. - Me too.
I hope it'll be crowded.
- We won't stay late? - Don't worry!
Gabriel is playing the records!
There's a crowd.
Hurry up, girls.
Hey!
Lots of new people tonight.
He keeps looking at you.
He's not looking at me.
He's not bad.
I like men with ties.
Yeah but you like all men.
Look... you see?
He's your type too.
Careful!
Let me guess... Literature?
Easy, all girls do Lit.
That's an overstatement.
I'm doing History.
Oh yeah?
No, it's not true.
I'm in disguise.
They let us in, so I made an effort.
I came with those guys.
We're from the fire station nearby.
You're a fireman?
Is that a problem?
They say beware of fireman.
My conscience is clear.
Don't want to dance?
Buy me a Coke, Jean?
Sure.
A Coke, please.
Those girls really adore you!
They're just spying on me.
It suits them to think I'm a slut.
It's not true?
Those girls always dance on their tiptoes.
They annoy me.
You're jealous.
Maybe.
All that long day sitting at her mirror,
she was combing her golden hair, as if
in the midst of our tragedy.
She played a melody on a harp, halfheartedly.
All that long day, sitting at her mirror,
she was combing her golden hair, as if
she enjoyed tormenting her memory.
Who'll take the plunge?
Come on.
Exams are soon. It's hard to get into university.
Who wants to try?
Miss, please stand up.
What can you say about this poem's hidden meaning?
I don't know.
We've already discussed Aragon.
Were you here? Physically, I mean?
Just try.
Answer, to be polite.
- Hear she's leaving? - To get married, right?
A guy studying Math. A prick.
She's quitting?
At the same time, maybe it's better.
It means one less of us.
Disaster! I'm afraid it'll just be you at the end.
Think you'll last?
Miss.
Tell me about the poem.
He uses a lover's drama to evoke a national one.
It's a political poem.
Tell me about the recurrent imagery in the poem.
Fire, tragedy, memory.
For me, they're war references.
In 1942, when the poem was published,
Elsa Triolet and Aragon were communists.
So I think
they both hope for a patriotic awakening.
Perfect.
What rhetorical device consists of repeating words for emphasis?
Anaphora.
You are too much!
Can I have some gum?
I'm all out.
- Brigitte, got some? - Nope.
I'm so scared to flunk exams.
Me too.
They won't be easy!
My mind keeps wandering.
Wandering where?
If I don't pass these exams,
I'll be on a tractor next year.
- You'll help us study? - Yes.
Of course.
Still nothing!
3 weeks
Hello!
You see the time?
- Hi, Annie. - Hi.
What's wrong?
You're all pale.
I don't know.
- Pale as a ghost. - Really?
Let me see.
I can't tell.
- Smallpox? - Stop it, Maurice!
You may have a slight temperature.
Don't get sick on us now. Lousy timing.
It's just hot out.
Feel it?
- Feel what? - She feels warm.
- Nah. - I said I felt fine.
So how's school?
Graduating, honorable mention.
Stop, Mom.
- It's not true? - I didn't graduate yet.
Don't act modest. We know you're gifted.
You're lucky.
Look at your hands.
They're all white.
They're not used for work.
They have me dyeing now.
At the factory. And so...
I don't recognize my hands.
I told Annie to spend the night.
I'll make your bed.
Here.
What?
Buy yourself a novel.
It's been three months, right?
Since your flu last winter.
You're a funny one.
You were so afraid to miss classes.
It's not always the case.
- It hurts here? - Not only.
- What kind of pain? - Like cramps.
Remove your underwear.
Bend your legs.
Are you late with your period?
- You've had sexual relations? - No.
- Never? - Never.
No boyfriend?
No.
You're pregnant, miss.
- I'm sorry. - It's not possible.
I know what it means to you.
Do something.
You can't ask me that.
Not me, not anyone.
The law is unsparing.
Anyone who helps can end up in jail. You too.
And only if you're spared the worst.
Every month, a girl tests her luck
and ends up dying in extreme pain.
You don't want to be that girl.
It's not fair.
Maybe I won't carry it until term!
Maybe.
Anne!
So? Where were you?
Upstairs.
Revising alone? You're sick of us?
What care you doing?
Working on conjugations.
"Agire," present indicative?
Ago, agis, agit,
agimus, agitis, agunt.
For me it's about the gaze.
I'm talking literally "eyes."
I don't know what you mean.
When Camus looks at us his gaze pierces through us.
He inspires justice, humanity in us.
Sartre is more ambiguous.
Not grossed out? How can you eat that?
You have to eat.
I can't. Take mine if you want it.
No thanks.
What about Sartre now?
I think he's hard to figure.
And he backs the communists.
He backs Stalin, denies the mass murders.
My dad's a communist, never killed a soul.
- Excuse me. - Sure.
No way! Who's eating my food?
No idea.
My stuff isn't on my shelves.
Unbearable!
Tupperware doesn't walk out on its own!
What now?
People keep stealing each other's food.
They take so long to wash.
Yeah, what a pain.
- Wash up, girls! - Yes!
We won't have hot water.
Certificate of pregnancy
4 weeks
What about stretch marks?
No, I didn't get any.
You're lucky.
How about your legs?
Remember to put your feet up at night.
Miss Duchesne?
After you.
Can you check if we have them for tomorrow?
- Yes, doctor. - Thank you.
So...
Who recommended you?
I found you in the phone book.
Date of birth: September 1, 1940?
Yes.
I'll let you get undressed.
I live at the Cité Universitaire.
I study literature.
You know Charles Moreau? A friend's son who studies there.
I think I've seen him around.
Remarkable young man. He'll go far.
Go on now, please.
I'm pregnant.
I see.
I want to continue my studies.
It's essential for me.
Leave, we have nothing to discuss.
- Leave. - I won't leave, you hear?
No scenes in my office.
So help me.
What is it?
It'll make you menstruate.
Are you sure?
Here.
That'll be 20 francs.
- This is all I have. - Get going.
Open your books to page 35, please.
Look.
Be discreet.
What is it?
What do you think?
Think it's them?
I'm sure of it.
Hide it.
Bitches.
What's going on?
Nothing.
I want to kill them.
They're waiting for that.
A nice big scandal.
- Whatever you do, they'll complain. - She's right.
I used to steal the dirty magazines my brother hid in his guitar case.
How old were you?
I don't know.
10 or 11.
They taught me tons.
I can imagine.
I'm the most well-informed virgin on the planet.
I can't do much now, but once I can, I won't be lost.
Wanna see something?
What?
Move it.
What matters
is this movement.
And the purpose
is to find a point that takes you far.
It can take time. Ours are all different.
You need to take your time.
Like this.
I'm ready.
5 weeks
I hurt myself. Got a handkerchief?
I do.
Thanks.
It doesn't hurt?
Gaspard!
- Come on! - Coming.
I'm getting tended to.
Thanks, gorgeous.
Look at your handkerchief.
There, That's all you got.
He's not bad, is he?
They all show off,
but if you end up at the fire station...
That's why I flirt.
They call me a tease,
but do I have a choice?
Every night I dream of going farther.
But you pick one, and if he's the wrong one...
Then...
you end up pregnant.
No, anything but that!
It'd be the end of the world.
At worst...
there are methods.
What are you talking about?
If you don't want a baby.
Are you crazy?
Never say that, not even as a joke.
Bring home your dirty laundry?
The accusative case, used with a direct object.
The genitive case, to show possession.
Next,
the dative case...
used with an indirect object.
And finally, the ablative case,
for attendant circumstances.
Write this all down.
Anne.
Are you making eyes at me?
Not at all.
Sure I'm not bothering you?
Anne, wait...
So? Got something to tell me?
You know a lot of girls.
I guess you could say that.
You know one who did it?
What do you mean?
- Sex? - No, not that.
I have a problem, Jean.
What?
- No. - Yes.
I'm not keeping it.
You know one, right?
- Jean. - Leave me alone, Anne.
- Stop. - No.
Stop it, Anne.
So, who was it?
A man.
A man?
Elaborate.
I met him in a bookstore, downtown.
He was here visiting his aunt.
He's from Bordeaux.
Studying Political Science.
Political Science...
Not bad.
Does he know?
No.
Why not?
I don't know.
Where did you see him?
A little hotel. Near the train station.
Why?
Was it good?
I don't know.
Come on, tell me.
Enjoy making love with him?
None of your business!
I swear, I'd never have thought...
you did that stuff.
Once.
"Once"... come on.
I shouldn't have come.
- Come. - What are you doing?
Come here, kiss me.
Stop, Jean!
Don't come near me.
There's no risk if you're pregnant.
What?
Why are you staring?
What's that?
You look diseased.
A bug bite!
It could be syphilis.
Yeah, maybe.
Loose woman catch that stuff.
Listen, we don't want that here.
- Beat it. - Wait.
Leave me the fuck alone!
Now comes the vulgarity, bravo.
Anne, there are rules here. The same for everyone.
Understand?
Respect them or leave.
We know what you do. You went out last night.
- Step closer and... - And what?
Let me through.
7 weeks
Camille Mazinc.
Fabienne Bray.
Very mediocre.
Madeleine Richard.
Good job.
Mathilde Vogel.
Can do better.
Louis Couturier.
Disappointing.
Anne Duchesne.
Olivia Dubois.
Brigitte Ransom.
Professors usually recognize other professors.
I thought I knew you.
Say something.
So that's it? You'll...
fail your exams?
Yes, no?
So explain.
Your parents have problems?
- Is it money-related? - Not at all.
So what is it?
You won't talk.
Your grades better improve.
Anne!
- Want to dance? - I don't feel like it.
The music's great.
Come on.
Think I'm too close?
No, I'm good.
Excuse me.
I just want to talk.
Come for a walk.
Wait.
- Where are you going? - We're just going.
- Leave her. - Problem?
Don't get involved.
Leave her.
Leaving with him?
Didn't you hear? Butt out.
- Butt out. - Stop it, Jean.
Come on.
Go back to your station.
Wait.
What are you up to?
- Got something to say? - Anne, enough.
You're pathetic, you have nothing to say.
Let's go home now.
What's going on?
We can all tell something's wrong.
No way!
What did you do?
- I'm not keeping it. - Shut up!
What do I do?
Help me find someone!
- Where? How? - It's not our problem.
Brigitte, come on.
Want to go to prison with her?
Do as you please, Anne.
It's none of our business.
Brigitte!
No.
Can you hear me? It's Lisa.
So how was last night?
Yeah? He mentioned me?
Come on.
Does he think it or is he just acting smart?
Wait a sec.
Are you sure?
I don't want to get it wrong.
Yes, of course.
I have to call you back.
I'll call soon. Take care.
Sorry, it's an emergency.
Yes?
Bordeaux-7733, please.
Hold the line.
- Hello? - Maxime?
It's Anne.
What a surprise.
Listen, I have something to tell you.
Sounds serious.
I'm pregnant.
Don't worry.
I don't intend to keep it.
That's the wrong sponge.
You're doing it wrong.
It's no good if it stays greasy.
Go study instead.
- Hear me? - I don't feel like it.
Don't feel like it?
Who cares what you feel like?
Can we afford to do only what we feel like?
Know what? Today I feel like...
sitting outside, in the sun, tanning my legs.
The bar can wait.
Is this how you'll pass your exams?
What do you know about exams?
You left me no choice.
I don't approve,
but I understand your reasons.
Unwed mother.
It's not easy.
You're young.
A whole life ahead of you.
I'd like a child one day,
but not instead of a life.
I could hate the kid for it.
I may never be able to love it.
I wish I could have said it worked.
No.
I'm sorry.
The fetus withstood it.
There was blood.
Scratched mucus membranes.
I did everything.
Everything.
The shots.
The needles.
What shots?
I saw another doctor.
He prescribed Estradiol?
Yes.
Most doctors are against abortion.
They don't think it's a woman's choice.
Estradiol strengthens the embryo.
Miss.
Accept it.
You have no choice.
9 weeks
I figured you changed your mind.
The train was late.
Not too tired?
I'm fine.
I'm glad you came.
What are you doing?
Hesitating.
I like this dress.
You'll see. My friends are great.
Funny,
charming, intelligent,
all of them.
His family are all lawyers,
and hers are all doctors.
Maxime.
I couldn't find a solution.
What do you mean?
I thought...
That what? I'd manage on my own?
How many weeks are you at?
Almost 10.
Is it too late?
No.
Max? Are you there? You coming down?
We're coming down.
Keep quiet.
Can you put some lotion on me?
Why are you smiling?
"Can you put some lotion on me?"
Pure Patrick.
You should put some on her.
It's all in the tone you use.
Your questions are like orders,
but you get away with it.
At school they envy your voice.
In Poli Sci, a voice is a weapon.
They call me "Minister."
"Minister..."
You see yourself at the top.
President!
You already see yourself as Head of State!
Stop.
So Anne, tell us.
Tell you what?
Studying Literature?
Yes.
In Angoulême?
That's right.
How will you manage?
Long distance is tough.
Are you grilling us or what?
Just asking.
Why are you so upset?
I'm not, but...
I'm going swimming.
Wait for me!
Stop, you're going too far!
The current's strong.
- What's going on? - Go away.
Anne, be sensible.
- This isn't funny! - I said go away!
You came to punish me?
What exactly do you want?
Help. That's what I want.
You said you'd ask around.
I did.
Liar.
If you'd told me you were still...
You wouldn't have invited me?
When it's about having fun,
you're always there.
What can I do? I'm not a doctor!
So it's my problem? I manage on my own.
How will you get home?
As usual, I'll manage.
If you leave now, you'll never see me again.
I can accept your attitude this afternoon.
What my friends think now...
Oh that, yes...
Friends are very important...
Just tell them the truth.
You all bore me.
Same old insolence.
Think that's how to solve life's problems?
I solve them as best I can.
What will you do about...
What do you care?
Get in.
Miss.
Continue.
You can't?
No?
No.
Stand up so we can hear.
Tell me what was just said. What are we discussing?
Make an effort.
Nothing?
Nothing.
Nothing to say?
Why not?
I wasn't listening.
At least you're being honest.
Now let me be honest: you may not make it into University.
Sit down.
10 weeks
Come here.
Come down.
What do you want?
Follow me.
Laetitia will help you.
I'll give you a paper, a woman's address,
Mrs. Rivière.
She took care of me.
Say "the girl from the paper" sent you. She'll understand.
All right.
She's experienced.
That's a plus.
Smile, please.
And it's clean.
She boils all the instruments.
Does it hurt?
Yes.
The whole procedure.
Try to think of something else.
The pain goes away.
I didn't end up in a hospital.
It's the lottery there.
If you're lucky it's labeled a "miscarriage."
But if some bastard doctor writes "abortion",
and you don't die, you end up in prison.
Excuse me, do you have a light?
Yes.
- Goodnight. - Thanks, goodnight.
Got money put aside?
Is it expensive?
400 francs.
Up front.
I can lend it to you.
I'll manage.
It's fascinating.
- How much? - 3 francs.
I'll take this one too for 5.
All right.
Bye.
Is this all your stuff?
Yes.
Why are you selling it all?
For a trip.
Is it gold?
Yes.
I'm going to take it.
50 francs.
It's worth a lot more.
Hello, am I disturbing you?
Who is it?
I was given your number.
So?
It's urgent.
Monday at noon.
3, impasse Cardinet. Last floor.
A beer, please.
- What do you want? - Same.
Two.
Are you alone tonight?
Yes.
Glad to hear it. Your friends are awful.
Not awful. Frustrated.
Everyone here wants the same thing, but won't admit it.
And what do you think?
I don't care what they think, now.
But something's wrong.
You look strange. Are you sad?
What's your problem?
Solitude.
Like this?
Like this.
What do you want?
What do you want, Hélène?
Last summer,
when I was back at my parents',
I had a relationship with a man.
It lasted a month.
He was much older than me.
We made love a lot.
At his place.
In the barn near my parents'.
Wherever.
Whenever we could.
I was ashamed, but the desire was stronger.
I didn't get pregnant.
By chance. I was just luckier than you.
Find the address you needed?
Listen, Brigitte's right.
Let's not discuss it.
It's better.
- You won't tell her? - All right.
I gave you cookies and applesauce.
Here.
12 weeks
Yes?
The girl from the paper sent me.
Come in.
Undress.
- Here? - Yes.
12 weeks?
That's right. Exactly.
You already have a belly. He's gotten strong.
Is it still possible?
Borderline, but doable.
Got the money?
Bleed a lot when you lost your virginity?
I think so.
Did you bleed a lot or not a lot?
A lot.
Some women use bleach.
Bleach in a uterus.
And they wonder why they die.
You're lucky you found me.
Not a sound, not a shout,
Understand?
The walls are too thin.
- Did you wash? - Yes.
Lie down, your hips on the edge.
- Like this? - Further down.
It's done.
Now you mustn't touch a thing.
At first, you'll feel the wand. You'll get used to it.
How long will it take?
Less than 24 hours.
At first, there'll just be a little blood,
then it'll come out.
Sir?
I have something to ask you.
You can always ask.
I'd like the last lectures, please.
What for?
So I can take my exams.
- You're too far behind. - I'll catch up.
Why the newfound interest?
I wasn't able to study before. Now I can.
You were ill?
The illness that strikes only women.
And turns them into housewives.
Do you still wish to teach?
No.
Why not?
It's not what matters most to me.
What would that be?
I want to write.
Thank you.
It didn't work.
I'm sorry.
So?
There's nothing to do.
Maybe a second wand, but it's a bad idea.
The body's reacting poorly. There may be complications.
If you do it, it's at your own risk.
- Are you sure? - Yes.
What's wrong?
Leave me alone.
Don't say a word, okay?
Okay?
Are you there?
Go get the scissors from my room.
I can't.
I won't be able to.
Please.
Me?
Please...
Olivia...
Wait, wait.
I'm bleeding.
You're bleeding.
Listen,
I'll go get a doctor.
You must go to hospital.
This isn't normal. We need help.
Stay with me. Look at me.
Look at me, please. Be strong. Anne!
Help!
I need help!
A doctor, please!
It's Anne! In her room.
Oh no...
Anne!
I'm sorry, forgive me.
What do I label it?
Miscarriage.
July 5th
I'm scared.
It's time.
Good luck.
We shall keep the honor.
The rest, we shall give away.
And we walk.
Our eyes, indignant.
Our foreheads, pale. On them, we read:
"Faith, courage, drought."
The troops continue their route
Heads high, raising their flag,
holy rags.
I hope these words by Victor Hugo will show you the way,
dear students.
Take your pens.
Based on "Happening" by Annie Ernaux
Translation: Andrew Litvack
Subtitling TITRAFILM