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Look.
This work of art is by Renzo Nervi,
known for a life full of ups but also many downs.
Look closely at this painting.
Don't ask yourself what it means.
Art is not just a representation of reality.
Art can also create its own reality.
Don't try to understand it for there is nothing to understand.
Embrace the experience that is given to your senses.
Now that you have had a good look,
follow me,
I will introduce you to the painter, Renzo Nervi.
A great painter and a great friend. The best friend that I ever had.
You're pissing me off man. You don't realize how much.
You're so depressing that you're dragging me in.
What's your plan?
It took you 10 years to come up with this exhibition...
It's not just that we didn't sell anything,
but look at the press.
They destroyed us.
Art Press. The great Laveran.
So, let's see here... "It's suicidal to exhibit such an artist in this day and age
"who is so embedded in the past century."
"It is suicidal."
I am not even gonna read you the other ones.
Renzo, the problem is that you refuse all interviews, ignore the press.
It doesn't matter. You know that it doesn't matter.
Critics don't have the power anymore. It's the auctioneers, buyers, collectors.
It's all about money and you know it.
It is precisely these collectors, auctioneers and critics
who want to meet you.
You didn't even come to your own opening.
Not my fault. I have agoraphobia.
What are you talking about? You have a medical certificate?
- Agoraphobia and supermarketphobia. - Super what? Supermark...
- I am scared of supermarkets. - Stop pretending...
You are talking to me, Renzo.
I'm not asking for very much here. Just come by the gallery, please.
I can't.
I can't fake it with those idiots explaining me my art.
Listen, they can't all be idiots.
- Arthur. - Yes.
Playing the fool is your role, not mine.
Don't take it badly, you're great at it.
It's your thing, you're good at it. I'm not.
Laveran was right.
You've become a "has-been", Renzo.
I don't care what Laveran says.
I don't even read the critics anyway. Ever.
You should.
"Labyrinthe" is the exhibition.
Here, we are really wandering the mind of Renzo Nervi.
It's very striking. I absolutely love this painting.
It's dreamlike but also nightmarish.
- Do you like it? - Yes, I do.
- You do? - Yes.
For me, I find that under the cruelty
lies an irony, a certain commiseration.
- Indulgence even. - You are absolutely right.
Absolutely right.
You can feel the humanity behind the stroke of the brush,
behind the excitement of the bodies,
you really feel the humanity of the artist.
You feel his fragility.
It is as if you are predestined to buy this painting.
The day you are in front of a Nervi, is the day the artist is here in person.
It's very rare. Let me introduce you.
- Renzo, let me introduce you to... - Hello.
Excuse me, sorry.
Do you like that? Shall I do the others?
- No thanks, I'm good. - Suit yourself.
- Shall I call the police, Arthur? - No, it's fine.
- I can call the asylum. - No, really it's fine.
Anas.
Here you go, I don't need it anymore.
You gunned someone?
I gunned three.
As if.
You like it?
One moment, please.
Arthur, it's Renzo Nervi.
- You told him I was here? - Yes.
Eugénie!
- You are here. - You shouldn't be so pragmatic.
It's not because you see me that I'm here.
- Life is more complex. - You want to talk to him?
No. Give it here.
So. Hi. What's up?
- Liked it? - I don't know, Renzo...
You might not be aware of this but using a gun on a piece of art
has already been done by Niki de Saint-Phalle.
You haven't created anything new.
Arthur, art is an endless revolution.
Thanks to you, I have just lost a very important client.
Forgive me if I don't want to talk to you right now.
Have a nice day.
No, no, no, wait, don't hang up on me.
OK, look I went too far, I'm really sorry.
Thank you so much for admitting it, that's so big of you.
Saying sorry is really gonna save things.
- Right, I have to go now. - No, wait.
I just wanted to tell you:
I'm broke. Do you think you could give me an advance payment?
What advance? For the painting I couldn't sell because of you?
Even if I had sold it, it wouldn't cover the damage you did.
- What damage? - Listen Renzo...
The bullets didn't just go through your painting,
they also ended up going through my wall.
Oh, you mean that damage.
It's all over anyway. The exhibition is finished. We're packing up.
Don't forget the meeting.
Eugénie will contact you for the delivery.
The what?
We're sending back the unsold paintings, which are...
- All of them. - Did you hear that?
Renzo?
Yes, what do you want?
Renzo Nervi?
Yes, that's me.
I'm Alex, very pleased to meet you.
What can I do for you?
I'd like to learn painting, be your apprentice.
I brought you some of my work if you want to see it.
And how did you find me?
It wasn't easy.
Almost as hard as finding Banksy.
- I don't take on apprentices. - Try me out.
Are you deaf? I said no apprentices.
I'm not deaf. I'm just stubborn.
Go and see someone like Jeff Koons, guys like him.
This is no factory. I do everything myself.
Exactly.
You are one of the last great active painters.
A living legend.
Literally, a living legend.
You're a funny one. Stubborn, but funny.
One week's trial, Any slip-ups and you're out.
- Understood? - Yes, Master.
- Stop calling me that. - Yes, Master.
We will start off with a little observation exercise.
So, you are going to sit on this chair
and observe all the objects that are in this room.
All means all: the kayak, the swan,
the bambi, the bike, the casket, the thing.
- Agreed? - OK.
- What's the point? - You will understand later.
Alright then, good.
Thank you.
Master?
I've been observing for more than three hours now.
Ah, yes, yes.
Well.
You will now empty the entire content of this room.
You take all of this mess: in the closets, on the wall, the floor.
I want it all gone.
You take all of it and put it in this room here.
- OK? - OK.
Good.
But why?
So you're not done yet?
Do you know how long it took Hercules to clean the dirty stables of Augeas?
No, how long did it take him?
Well, it took him a really long time.
I'll tell you: it took him a day. Only one day.
But he was the mighty Hercules, not as skinny as a rail like you.
Well, even so, could you give me a hand with the kayak?
Yes, what is this about?
- This is another exercise right? - No, it means you're just unlucky.
What are all these paintings?
The unsold ones.
- Mr. Forestier? Hello. - Hello.
- Nice to meet you. Follow me. - Nice to meet you.
We need an imposing painting for such a wall.
Yes, we were thinking of something like minimum 3 m by 1.5 m.
Very good.
Allow me to make a suggestion to you.
Instead of buying an old painting,
why not commission an original one instead?
I mean something that is made especially for you, custom-made.
We could call on a great artist.
We could make a reference to your company.
Perhaps to its reputation, its history.
- Sounds interesting. - Sounds good.
I think it is.
Do you have an artist in mind?
Renzo Nervi?
You are kidding me.
Don't you have someone less problematic and more civilized?
No, Renzo will be perfect.
It's not in your best interest.
Yes, but you can't always reason through interest.
Yes, you can. You hired me to remind you of that voice of reason.
Your admiration for him clouds your mind.
Yes, yes that's it. I admire him and that's it.
I rightfully admire him.
And to admire someone is not about who is popular or who sells.
It means really admiring someone.
You know, the first time I saw Renzo's work, I was overwhelmed.
I'm not talking about my own personal emotions.
I'm talking about something universal.
I mean an experience of grace through otherness.
Do you know what it's like,
to see the world through the eyes of someone else?
So I manage to get you a golden opportunity,
and you decide to mess it all up with that sociopath.
Why?
I want to help him.
Master? I found this in your mess. Registered mail is important, no?
What is it?
Well, it's...
It's...
an eviction order.
"This court order stipulates that you must leave
"and free this place of all people and things
"that you are wrongly inhabiting,
"No later than..."
When did you get this letter?
I haven't got a clue.
Master, you're going to be evicted.
Evicted? I'd like to see them try.
I was born in this house and I sure intend to die in it.
- This is from the Tax Office. - Don't touch that then. No!
There's a Chinese saying: "Speech is silver, but silence is golden."
Don't touch that, drink your coffee, and finish your job.
The living legend says so.
I have finished that.
- What do you think? - Good.
I struggled, you know. But at least, it's done.
Now, bring back all the things in the room,
by placing them in the exact same place.
It's a memory exercise.
That's why I asked you to observe all this mess.
You're kidding?
This is no joke. Learn how to look is essential.
- Get to work. - Master...
- Yes? - Yeah, it's me.
- Arthur. - Yes, of course, Arthur.
I might have a job for you. Would you be interested?
What kind of job?
What are you doing? They're all upstairs.
You should have come up.
Who is the artist?
That's Maggie Chekamondo.
She's a French-Ugandan artist who lives in Berlin.
She's a photographer, you know.
What is great about her is that she has a terrible personal life.
She's an orphan...
They are NFTs.
Don't ask me what that means. I still have no idea.
Eugénie is the one who takes care of that. It sells.
Well then, if it sells...
Anyhow, let's get back to business...
They wanted to see something quite quickly,
so I took the liberty of drawing a little something.
And I told them that you did it.
A draft on my behalf?
Well, you know, I knew exactly what they wanted to see,
so I thought it would be easier, but it's only a draft.
They loved it, you know.
It will only be a formality for you.
Why don't you go and paint it yourself, then?
Don't you start, Renzo.
Come on now, let's go.
Why don't you do like those dogs at the back of the car,
the ones with the bobbleheads.
You keep quiet and let me and Eugénie do the talking, OK?
No, listen, stop goofing around.
- I'm counting on you here. - OK.
- I'm trusting you. - Of course.
- You're in the agro-food industry, right? - Absolutely, yes.
Are you more team agro or team food?
Organic? Non-organic?
Not very organic then...
- GMO? - No, but...
- No, no, no. - Glyphosate?
Right... excuse me.
I think Mr. Dupont-Laval really likes your draft.
May I see it?
Yes.
Yes, of course.
Here you go.
Not bad. Well done.
Yes, Renzo really likes to congratulate himself.
Artists are not required to be humble.
About that, please tell me, Mr. Nervi,
where did the idea for this painting come from?
Yes?
As a matter of fact, the ideas are there.
If I may, I think that...
I think that a painter expresses himself more easily through his painting.
That's it.
And Renzo was talking to me about the great Mexican muralists,
whom I know you adore.
Rivera, Orozco...
- But far more contemporary. - And far less Mexican, too.
Indeed, that is what we talked about.
We were thinking of minimum 3 m by 1.5 m.
That's huge.
- That's like Guernica. - No, Guernica is much bigger.
Look, I think we are moving towards a masterpiece here.
- Well yes, let us hope so. - Yes, let us hope.
I am very happy to do business with you. I mean...
- Anyway, thank you. - Thank you very much.
This is the catalog of our last exhibition.
Splendid. Thank you very much.
Thank you, bye. You won't be disappointed.
- Thank you, bye. - Thank you very much.
Goodbye.
That went pretty well, don't you think?
- Look how beautiful this is, stunning. - Yes.
If it were mine, I'd spend all day in front of this portrait.
Yes, this Modigliani is exquisite.
And I get why you are moved by it.
Why?
Doesn't she remind you of someone?
No.
Esther?
Really? You think?
Yes.
Right, getting back to reality...
They want you to finish the painting by the end of the month, so...
Arthur, I want to know first of all if I can do this.
- I never paint on commission. - Of course. You're independent.
Exactly.
You told me yourself that Picasso
painted as he pleased as well as taking on commissions.
I mean, he was wealthy as well as brilliant.
They can go together.
- Is this an ethical issue? Is that it? - Yes, it's an ethical issue.
You know how they treat animals in their factories?
- The chicks crushed alive? - Yes, I know.
It's appalling, really, it's devastating, it's...
Yes.
I find it revolting, you know?
But, you know... We've got to eat.
Look, it's not like he's Hitler.
Arthur, Jean-Marc Laveran is here. He came for the exhibition.
- Laveran, the critic? - Yes.
- I think I'll go and greet him. - I'm not sure that's such a good idea.
Why not?
Renzo.
Don't move, OK? You stay here.
Well done. Congratulations.
- Mr. Laveran, what a lovely surprise. - Eugénie!
I had two or three things to say to you about your review.
Renzo, please.
I refuse to discuss my critics, especially with the artist involved.
What I read was rather enlightening. Even though you did destroy me.
Of course. Well, I'll be off. Bye, Arthur. See you soon.
Well done, Mr. Nervi. All the best.
When you say I'm a prisoner of my frame, smothered by my canvas.
Funny because that's what I feel: a force that prevents me from creating.
However, the part about "the deadly womb of my existentialism",
I'm not sure I quite grasped the full meaning.
Listen Renzo, I'll explain it.
- It was outstanding. - You take me for a fool?
- Let go of my hand, asshole! - Easy, easy, OK?
I was being honest. He opened my eyes.
He opened your eyes about what?
Let me remind you that he slayed you,
called you a has-been, disconnected from reality
and that you should retire before a complete breakdown.
- That wasn't quite the turn of phrase... - Yeah but, come on, that was close.
Let's be honest: that critic was wretched.
The writing is deplorable and the content is shit.
You wanted to play dirty, well now you face the consequences.
- You think we're done here? - What?
Mark my words, your gallery is finished.
Think your threats scare me?
Who are you to criticize an artist such as Renzo Nervi? Who?
Now get out of my gallery, you parasite!
- I'm leaving. - Get out.
Asshole.
- That felt really good. - Yes.
When is the painting due again?
Before the end of the month.
That should be doable.
What are you gonna do with this, Master?
I'm selling my soul to the devil.
Let's go.
We will place it directly on the easels.
Yep.
Good news: Mrs. Debreuil has decided to go with a Nervi painting.
It's a nude that she saw in the catalog, a woman...
- Naked Woman on a Red Sofa. - Exactly.
- Gorgeous. - So she was offering 8 000 euros.
And how much were we asking for?
Fifteen, but she won't go any higher.
She is stingy. That's what she spends in one weekend.
Listen, call her and negotiate.
If she refuses, then tell her it's a deal.
OK.
Listen, I think that it's really good.
Eight thousand euros is really good. I'm very happy about that. Done.
The problem is that I don't have it anymore.
What do you mean?
Laura has it.
Laura? Who is she?
She's a model who posed for me.
We saw each other again, I gave it to her for Valentine's Day.
I'm sorry I didn't catch that.
- I gave it to her for Valentine's Day. - For Valentine's Day?
- You, you celebrate Valentine's Day? - I am sometimes weak, yes.
I'm happy. It's a good thing.
Finally.
You could maybe offer to trade the painting for another one?
- No, you think? - Yes, I do. Yes.
- It's here, right? - Yes.
- Right, come this way. - What are you doing?
- Are you sure about this? - Of course, don't worry.
But I am worrying.
Where the fuck did she put it?
- Are you sure this is not illegal? - I'm sure. This is not illegal.
- Well... - There. There it is.
She didn't even hang it up. L- et's just take it and go.
- She could have hung it up. - Who cares? Hurry up.
This way.
Hurry. Come on, hurry.
Go on.
Yes.
Tell me,
"Woman on a Sofa" is inspired by Modigliani, right?
Ah, yes. Yes, it's true.
I've lost all inspiration.
That's normal.
All you do is wait for inspiration to come to you.
But inspiration must be provoked.
You have to enrich yourself by getting out more
and by paying more attention to your surroundings.
You know very well where my inspiration came from.
All of my portraits were Esther.
Even when I was painting landscapes, she was always there.
All of my paintings came from her smile.
Come back to life, Renzo.
Esther isn't here anymore.
Stop wallowing in your Thanatos.
I think you need a bit of Eros, a bit of...
- Listen. - No, stop. It's disgusting.
No, no, no. It's beautiful. It's life. Yes, that's it.
It's true though that she is screaming quite loudly.
Sorry.
Truly sorry.
- What do we do now? - I don't know. We improvise.
OK.
Don't get up, we're just passing through.
What the... Renzo?
I am Mr. Renzo Nervi's psychotherapist.
Don't say anything for it would be counterproductive.
All this is part of a cognitive-behavioral therapy
which aims to restore Mr. Renzo Nervi's Narcissus.
Visiting certain specific places
could, if you will, help
with the acceptance of his sick psyche.
As well as the recovery of certain valuable items.
What items?
Concentrate.
Are there any items here, Mr. Nervi, that could help you,
and that perhaps belong to you?
Perhaps. Yes.
- Perhaps this one? - Which one?
- This one here. - Go ahead. Take it.
You could have hung it up.
A bizarre situation, don't you think? Don't turn around Mr. Nervi.
Careful.
- Thank you for this experience. Truly. - My pleasure.
Very good, very good. It's spot on.
- Thank you, Master. - Don't thank me.
So, what's next? I hope it will be something more artistic.
There is no next. We stop here. It's over.
What? What do you mean? Did I do something wrong?
On the contrary, you did exactly what I asked you to.
What then? What does that mean?
That you had a lucky escape. You will never be an artist.
How so?
You have proved to be rigorous, rational, coherent, methodical,
and even humble. That's not what it takes to be an artist.
- That's just the way I am. - You have too many qualities.
To be a true artist, you mustn't have any.
Art is the very last resort.
It's like a curse, a disability.
You could do loads of good things, even for others.
But you, you're an artist.
I am the perfect example of what I just told you.
I do useless things that no one cares about.
But I want to paint. I need to say the things I have to say.
Saying things is useless. You must act. Actions speak louder than words.
- What do I do then? - Go. Get out of here!
Get out while you still can! It's too late for me!
Leave!
OK.
I'm sorry Alex, but this is what's best for you.
You hate me right now, but later on you'll thank me.
What are you doing here?
Here's your share for the sale of the painting.
Here you go.
You didn't have to come here. You could have sent it.
I wanted us to celebrate. Look, I've brought your favorite.
- Come in then. - Yep.
How's the commission coming along?
It's good. Good. Good.
It's coming along nicely. Yes.
No listen... it's good.
It's...
It's elaborate, it's powerful, it's...
The degree of details, of clarity, the line of work...
You really worked your socks off.
I haven't found the right angle yet.
Renzo.
I'm warning you, I'm not letting you go. We're gonna finish this.
I will even sleep here if I have to.
Let's get started. What can I do to help?
Tell me...
Shall I bring you some paints?
- What do you want? - To open the bottle of wine.
Very well.
I want to see you work.
Yes.
Let's eat.
It's delicious.
It's what I found in the fridge.
Renzo.
Here you go.
You like it?
It's perfect.
You haven't signed it yet.
- I don't sign commissions, Arthur. - Don't you start with that again.
- Just sign it. - No.
What's great is that you drew all the fruits and vegetables
that Mr. Dupont-Laval asked for.
If I had been told that I would get so corrupted.
Well, I'm off to bed.
There.
A little higher, please.
A little higher on the right.
- It's exquisite. - There.
Don't touch it anymore. Yes.
Hold on, I'm looking. I'm looking.
- It's magnificent. - Yes.
- It's... - It's a work of art.
Hanging up the painting is 80% of the job.
Yes.
A badly hung painting is a daub.
- Well, listen, thank you... - Perfect. Don't touch it anymore.
Don't touch it.
- Thank you again. Really. - Thank you.
- See you tomorrow. Well done. - Thank you.
Good evening.
- Do you know Pierre Bonnard? - Bonnard...
- Does he work here? - No, not exactly.
Pierre Bonnard was a painter from the 20th century.
A great artist who was lucky to have known fame during his lifetime.
He was a perfectionist. Maniac. Anxious.
But above all, an eternal unsatisfied
who would polish his work in the greatest museums.
When is a work of art truly complete?
According to Bonnard... Never.
- What's going on? - Stop shouting at me.
All I do is call but he's not answering.
- OK. - Improvise.
- Let's go. Come on. - I'm right behind you.
So...
Eugénie has just told me that, unfortunately,
Mr. Nervi won't be able to make it. He's had a sudden burst of inspiration.
Which suggests a new masterpiece in the making. We hope.
Therefore, it is I who will have the privilege to unveil the painting.
Eugénie.
Here we go. One, two...
I told you this wasn't a good idea.
- Is this a prank? - No, it's interesting.
Sorry, I don't understand. We're victims of a bad joke.
- Forestier? - It's not so bad.
- We have to talk. - Yes, but...
Look at...
- Now! - I'm coming.
- ... hideous. - It's well hung...
- Renzo Nervi? - Yes.
My name is Buffet and I'm a court bailiff.
I'm here due to your eviction, following the Court's decision.
May we come in?
Yes.
Thank you. Follow me, gentlemen.
It's the fourth time I'm calling, so now I'm leaving a message.
Look here, you selfish bastard. You've just lost your last ally.
I wanted to help you but you trampled my friendship, my work.
All those years I worked for you and bled for you,
in order to give you the means to paint.
You can't help it right? You ruin everything.
I don't ever want to see you again. Ever.
Champagne, sir. Château Haut-Brion...
- Lobster... - Thank you.
Iberian pork chops with eggplant caviar and asparagus.
Cheese selection, apricot chutney and dried fruits.
- Do you want a dessert? - I'll bring you the menu.
- I'll bring you the check. - I'm not going to pay that one.
Your check, sir.
As I just told the young lady, I am not going to pay the check.
I urge you, sir...
Because this meal is but a modest compensation
for my work as an artist in this society of fucking Philistines!
Please, sir, do not force us to call the police.
If I may...
It's not a good idea to call the police.
Because if you do, I could get even louder.
And that would be super uncomfortable for everyone.
On the other hand,
if you bring me one last brandy,
I swear to you that I'll drink it and tiptoe myself out of here.
You will never see me again.
Give him his brandy and let him go to hell.
Friend, I sense The grim fulfilment of fate
I started death with loneliness
I see vague stars in this deep night
Here comes the hour Where I too shall say goodbye
My lengthy thread shivers And nearly touches my sword
The wind that gently took you away Is lifting me up
And I will follow those who loved me, I, the banished one
Their empty eye draws me To the bottom of infinite
I run to it Do not close the funeral door
Let us go through, for it is the law No one can escape it
What fierce sound Those oak trees make
As they are being slaughtered For Hercules' pyre.
What do you want?
I feel shattered, monstrous, deformed,
obsessed by grief and death.
I feel like I'm in one of Francis Bacon's paintings.
Or one of those dead animals immersed in formaldehyde by Damien Hirst.
I'm a savage. I'm not cut out for this society.
And I do realize that I only have you in this world.
Alright. Come on up.
I really am just an asshole.
A huge asshole.
How long has it been since you last paid your taxes?
I don't know. Esther used to take care of it.
OK, that long?
You know Arthur, everything was simple when we started out.
I was painting and you were selling my work.
We had a laugh. It was just us and fuck the others.
- We didn't give a damn. - Yes, that's true.
The world has changed.
Art dealing went global.
Gallery exhibitions aren't enough anymore.
You have to be everywhere at once.
In the international Art fairs,
in auction houses, on social media.
You gotta play the game. Kiss ass and bend over backwards.
You think I enjoy
licking Roland Dupont-Laval's balls?
No.
I too would like to tell them to all go fuck themselves,
I too would like...
for us to have that freedom back again.
Where are your paintings?
They seized everything.
Everything is here.
Is that rat poison?
Yes... seems like.
You should know that... Well... I...
I paid what you owed for rent.
I also paid what you owed the tax authorities,
so you could get all your paintings back.
They'd have been ruined otherwise.
Are you happy?
But, to be honest...
I'm in a rather complicated
financial situation.
I had to mortgage my gallery and I got yelled at by Eugénie.
I'll spare you the details because they're not very interesting.
Why are you doing this, Arthur?
All I do is screw things over and yet you still help me?
Renzo,
there was a time when they all wanted you, remember?
Galleries worldwide were reaching out to you
but you always said no.
You always put our friendship first before personal interests.
You always remained loyal to me.
I could never forget that.
Anyway...
Keep my paintings. They're a gift.
Sell them. Discount them.
- Come on, Renzo... - I said keep them.
I owe you much more than that, Arthur. You've always been a true friend.
Thanks for everything.
It's gonna be OK.
We'll come up with a solution, OK?
You're going through a mild depressive phase. But that's OK.
Keep in mind that during the 19th century,
depression was a sign of genius.
How are you?
Thank you for seeing me.
I got the whole of his work. More than 200 paintings.
Listen,
I need your help.
You do exhibitions worldwide. You know famous collectors.
You want us to become partners? You and I?
You do know we have completely different views?
Is this so we can sleep together again?
Are you afraid of falling in love with me again?
- Arthur. - Yes?
How can I put this?
It's over for Renzo. He hasn't done anything significant in years.
Some even think he's dead.
At least if he were dead...
- You can be so cruel... - I'm blunt, that's all.
He's not an artist I'm particularly interested in.
That's not what you were saying back then, when he was popular.
You did everything to steal him from me.
Let's just say I'm no longer interested in him.
I've got to go. I have work to do.
He's in the living room.
Renzo?
Look who came to see you.
Alex?
- Can I offer you something to drink? - I'll have coffee, please.
How are you doing?
So-so. And you?
I passed by your workshop.
What are you gonna do about it?
I don't know.
Arthur, my gallerist but also my lifelong friend, has agreed to help me.
I'd like to have everything settled before I leave.
Leave? Where?
Are you still painting?
Oh, no. I've moved on.
I volunteer at "Action Against Hunger".
It's so great. We organize big events
to raise money in order to fight hunger throughout the world.
I like the fact that it's concrete. I feel like we are saving people.
That's good. You've found your true calling.
It's thanks to you, Master.
Don't just say things. You must act. You remember?
That really stuck with me.
- I said that? - You said that?
Well, in that case...
Alex, why don't you stay for dinner?
Yeah, absolutely.
Perhaps Renzo might want to change clothes,
get dressed and take off his pajamas.
Don't you think so, Renzo? No?
The guy lets me into his attic room to show me his work.
It was nice, but it wasn't great...
Back then, we were trying to figure out who we were...
Art College was a bit of a mess.
And at the back of the room,
I see a magnificent painting.
I say to myself that this is my chance to give him a genuine compliment,
without being two-faced.
So I say to him:
"That woman's portrait, I like it very much."
He answers sharply: "That's not mine. That's Renzo Nervi's.
"You know, the teacher with the shitty hat."
Sorry, but...
I then signed up for his class.
He told me I was lousy.
That's because you were.
Don't start... Then I became a gallerist.
And you were my first exhibition...
So you guys met thanks to a painting.
Yes. I'd lost it playing poker.
Which painting was it, Master?
I'm tired. I'm gonna go to bed.
Goodnight.
It was a portrait of his wife, Esther.
He burned it when she died.
Afterwards, he burned all the other ones of her.
Renzo, I'm sorry...
I should have kept quiet.
Life is a series of things that we love and then lose, Arthur.
I need you to do something for me.
What?
I've really thought about it. I've done my time.
What do you mean?
- If you really want to help me... - Yes.
Help me put an end to this sham, OK?
If I understand correctly what you're asking, and I think I do,
then stop immediately.
I won't do it. Don't even think about it.
You're delusional.
OK.
I'll find another way then.
Xanax, Prozac, Fentanyl...
Stilnox.
Yep.
Let me explain. It's very simple:
Ask any question and the philosopher will answer it
thanks to a database of quotes.
- Would you like to try it? - No.
I'll try it then. Sir,
I'm gonna ask an easy question: Will I get a raise?
To be content with less, is the surest way to be rich.
- That's interesting. - Of course.
So that's a NFT, right?
It's "an" NFT. Enough with the NFTs, OK?
Go ahead and ask a question.
No.
Come on, ask any question. An existential one.
Or just any question. Come on.
Why does one desire to die?
To die is not to die. It is to change.
This happy demise, feared by the weak,
is but a birth towards immortality.
Renzo?
THE TROUBLE WITH BEING BORN
This came for you in my letterbox.
It's weird because it has no postmark on it.
What is it?
You're not going to open it?
I'll open it later.
You want me to open it for you or...
That's kind of you but no thanks.
- Don't you want to know what it is? - I do, but later.
Isn't it my right?
- OK. - Isn't it?
- Yes. - Everything doesn't have to be now?
- What is in that envelope? - Leave me alone.
- Give it! - Get out of my room.
This is not your room. This is my living room. It's my home!
Then get out of your room!
What on earth is that?
- It's nothing. - Is this medication?
It doesn't cure. It kills. It is said to be staggering.
It kills?
- Where is it from? - The Dark Web.
You went on the Dark Web with my IP address?
You can't stop me. I have the right to end my life if I wish to.
- It is my absolute right to do so. - Confiscated.
If you want to die, that's your choice.
You gonna be OK?
I couldn't... He was determined...
You know him, when he sets his mind on something...
- You could say he was stubborn. - Yes, he was.
So narrow-minded...
As stubborn as a mule.
A true ass.
I'm here if you need anything.
Just ask.
If you are watching this, it means that I am dead.
I was born in the year 360 after Rembrandt.
I prefer to count from this genius
rather than Jesus Christ who was a real nutcase.
You think me misanthropic,
but you are all wrong about me.
You overlook the hidden cause behind what I seemed to be.
I was born full of life. I was passionate.
Today, I have no hope left.
Man is no creator.
He must always remind himself
that he's a declining being. He is short-lived.
Man does not come from monkeys.
He is a monkey.
A monkey who stands up and sits down to take a shit.
It's not a bad thing in itself. Just be aware of it.
In fact, I'm so pessimistic that I'm becoming optimistic.
Because extremes come together.
And cold burns.
You can all go fuck yourselves! Goodbye.
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here
at the posthumous exhibition of this great artist,
who left too soon.
He was an artist who always stayed true to himself.
Who always ignored the trends and hazards of the market.
Tonight, he leaves us this major work as a legacy.
I found this message on his phone.
And it overwhelmed me.
But above all,
he was a friend who I shall miss dearly.
Thank you.
Enjoy the exhibition.
Look! Harry Zakaryan.
He just lays eyes on an artist and the ratings go sky-high.
Good job! How did you do that?
I told him conceptual art was outdated,
and figurative art was making a big comeback, like Peter Doig, etc.
He's crazy about me, ever since I sold him his first Basquiat.
That's not all. Come with me.
Marianne and Simon Martel, the Thénardiers of contempory art.
They would sell one of their children for a Warhol.
Luckily, they have none... Children, I mean.
For they have a whole bunch of Warhols.
You see the foolish dude in the white shirt?
That's Colin Vandernoot, the NFT star.
He suggested we digitalize all of Renzo's work and create a virtual museum.
That way, we could sell his work twice:
the original canvas and the clone in the blockchain.
Honey, NFTs are the future of our trade.
No, but yes... of course.
Come over here.
You must, of course, know Harry Zakaryan?
Harry, let me introduce you to Arthur Forestier,
the man who discovered Renzo Nervi.
- Nice to meet you. - All the pleasure is mine.
It's already been a year!
So many things have happened since you left.
The Guggenheim's retrospective, the Venice Biennale.
The exhibition in Shanghai was a huge success.
We're breaking into the Asian market.
There, it's quite simple, you've become a demi-god.
You don't realize it.
Sales have exploded. It's huge.
I would have loved for you to see it.
Collectors and auction houses negotiating,
manipulating prices to increase your ratings.
You wonder where it will all end.
I'm not even mentioning NFTs... because I still haven't got a clue...
It makes no sense. It's downright indecent.
Making money is art.
- What's this bullshit? - It's not from me. It's Warhol.
What do you think?
I think you're even better dead than alive.
If you want to die, that's your choice.
What are you waiting for?
What? You're so eager to see me dead?
- You don't have the balls. - Yes, I do.
I just want to choose the right moment. Not like Darby Crash.
- What? - Darby Crash, the punk singer.
He chose to end his life the day before John Lennon's death.
- Do you see the timing problem? - Yep.
And when will yours be? Here and now?
Tomorrow morning?
In one year? I don't know.
How long must I live with this danger over my head?
I want to die but perhaps not this very second.
Just die once and for all so that we're done with it.
I want to do it alone. I don't want you to witness it.
- Respect people's privacy? - You lecture me about manners.
You're playing a funny game, Arthur.
You're in my living room with poison ordered from the Dark Web,
and I'm playing a game?
You think Van Gogh was making a fuss before he topped himself?
- No. No. - Staël, before his defenestration?
You think Rothko was being a sissy before cutting his veins? No!
No! Please, don't pressure me.
- You don't know how I feel. - I do.
- I do know how you feel. - No.
I understand you better than anyone else in this world.
OK. But what would you do if you were me?
I would seriously commit suicide. I would put an end to my sufferings.
I would be doing myself, and everybody else, a favor.
I'm not gonna commit suicide just to do you a favor.
Now, you're making me doubt!
You've switched your brain back on. Finally!
Because...
if I do commit suicide, there is no...
no turning back. I'll be dead.
Yes. That's the big problem with death.
There's something irretrievable about it.
Renzo,
you don't have to worry. I've chosen for you.
You're going to die.
To your health!
Come on. Let's get out of here.
In fact, I'm so pessimistic that I'm becoming optimistic.
Because extremes come together.
And cold burns.
You can all go fuck yourselves! Goodbye.
- That's the one. That's us done. - No, you have to do it again.
Why? That was very good! That's the 15th time. That's enough.
You have to do it again. It's too theatrical.
Especially when you say, "You! Men who take me for...
"an unworthy and hateful being... "
It's based on Heiligenstadt's testament.
Precisely. Keep it simple. Be more yourself.
Less of Beethoven. Try not to overdo it.
Try not to roll your "Rs" for example.
Don't say "Misanthrrropic!" like that. Please!
- You want to take my place? Go ahead! - Enough.
We've been here one hour.
One hour!
I'm sorry.
I'm getting tired.
We're nearly there. Put more desperation towards the end.
When you say: "Extremes come together and cold burns."
Even though I still don't get the meaning.
- Want me to re-explain it? - No. Not necessary.
We need to feel more melancholy.
We need to feel your voice trembling.
- Remember, you're committing suicide. - Yes. That's true.
You're gonna kill yourself.
Let's do it one last time. Really give it your all!
- You're going to kill yourself. - Yep.
Say it!
You want me to say it?
Yes, say it.
I'm gonna kill myself.
Think of what you've failed.
- What's with the hand? - It's meant to be a selfie.
When I shout "action", you count to three in your head, OK?
Not out loud.
Action.
If you are watching this, it means that I am dead.
Do you, sometimes, have any scruples?
- What kind of scruples? - To have become everything we hated.
To sell my paintings to businessmen who couldn't care less.
They store them in a vault, just like their money in a bank.
Someone's coming.
Who could it be? No one ever comes here.
Go hide in the house while I see who it is.
Can I help you?
- What the hell is he doing here? - Alex?
I told you to go inside!
- It's fine, it's Alex. - I can't believe it! Renzo?
You're alive?
You crooks! I knew it.
- No, but... - He's alive.
What the hell are you doing? You're filming us? Please, stop!
Give me back my phone!
- Let me explain. - There's nothing to explain.
- Let me explain. - Calm down!
We'll talk about all this inside. Come on, son. Come inside.
- My phone! - Just wait a second and think.
Look at Renzo. Look how happy he is.
He lives again. He's painting again! It did him a world of good to die.
How did you even find us?
- I asked your assistant. - Eugénie?
Impossible. No one knows where we are.
I didn't leave a single trace. It's impossible!
She geo-located your phone.
Do you see why I don't have a phone?
Not now, Renzo!
Is it money you want?
- Are you trying to bribe me? - Exactly.
Let's settle this with a check. Name your price.
I didn't come here to blackmail you.
I'm not like you. I just wanted to know the truth.
Now that I know...
I'm glad to know you're alive.
I had to mortgage the gallery...
Arthur did do that. But I didn't...
He chose to help me even though I didn't ask him to.
Very few gallerists or friends would do that.
You had your doubts but now you see what a true friend I am.
- The best of friends, for sure. - No, stop it.
- Come on. - You're the best.
- What do you think of the stew? - Delicious.
- Now can I have my phone? - No.
Not while we eat. It's rude.
When is your birthday?
It's 13 May 1995.
- Thirteenth of... - May 1995.
- What are you doing? - Shit. That's not it.
- What's your password? - I'm not saying.
I'll just try in reverse.
- You're gonna block it. - Still not it.
You're gonna block it!
- Now it's blocked, thanks to you. - No.
- Oh, well. - Are you crazy?
It's for the best. It's over. No more proof. No more video.
No more phone. It's done. Sit down.
What are you gonna do?
You think people will believe you?
It will be your word against mine.
It's all saved in the cloud.
Pictures, videos... all of it.
It's just some made-up bullshit.
It's all saved automatically. My phone died in vain.
Enough already with this materialism.
I'm off. As I have no phone, meaning no GPS, I'm gonna struggle.
- Where are the toilets? - At the end, the door on the left.
- He's not easy. - No. He's tough.
I think he's gonna denounce us. Yep.
- You think so? - Of course.
He's the kind of super-honest dumbass who would do that. For sure.
We're screwed.
- Find an idea! - But what?
Find a reason for him to stay. Find it now!
- Hang on. - Hurry up.
I have an idea that's come to mind.
We'll put a quarter in the coffee.
It knocks him out and it saves us some time.
- Why did you keep it? - I have no idea.
You've kept it all this time? Aren't you a little weird?
You're weird. You were gonna eat it.
I wasn't really going to. I was bluffing.
Are you serious right now? We'll continue this later.
- First we have to figure this out. - What?
You're not giving him poison. It will kill him.
You're no criminal. Snap out of it!
You're right. You're right. I don't know what's come over me. I'm going mad.
That's us going to prison, then.
- What do you mean? - You think I haven't looked it up?
Corpse trafficking, forgery, fraud.
That means prison. It's bullying and don't drop the soap.
Never. I'd rather die again than end up in prison.
I'm in paradise here. I paint, I'm inspired again...
No one puts me behind bars and takes away my freedom.
Prison is not a lifestyle choice, OK?
- It's not a choice? - No, because you don't get to choose.
I'll be off.
Fancy one last coffee before leaving? It will keep you awake.
- A quick one then. - I'm not sure this is such a good idea.
One quick coffee and that's it.
Thank you.
If I may.
I have a sweet tooth.
Wait. Wait. Wait. Sugar is really bad for you.
I just wanted to say that what we did is wrong.
It is a scam, OK?
- Am I right, Renzo? - Without a doubt. Yes.
- It's bad, that's for sure. - It's very bad.
When an idealist and supportive young man
gives us oldies a real eye-opening lesson,
that really makes you think.
Yep. You're pushing it a little, but...
- But thank you. - You gotta say things the way they are.
I would understand if you wanted to denounce us.
Just please give it some more thought.
No.
I've already decided. I have to denounce you.
- You're really sure about this? - Yes, I'm sure.
Do you have anything to add?
- I think we tried everything. - I'm sorry.
Sorry. Excuse me...
Your coffee is gonna get cold. Go ahead.
- I don't feel so good. - What? Of course.
- I'll just go to the toilet again. - OK.
- Fuck! What have we done? - What the hell did you do?
- Why did you put the poison in there? - It came from your pocket!
It's you. You're the one who bought the poison.
Your idea, you killer. You're the one who killed him.
- Do not reverse the roles here. - I am not reversing.
- You think he's... - I don't know.
Wait! He was my assistant. I'll go see.
- Go. Go. - I'm going.
- He's not moving. - What?
He's not moving at all.
Oh, my God.
Come on. Up, up.
- You OK, Alex? - I felt dizzy.
- Must be the White Spirit. - It's your shitty stew!
- You feel OK? - A bit better.
I'm so glad to hear it.
- That's weird. - You OK?
- I'm OK. - Come and sit over there.
Sugar is a real poison, you know?
- Is it? - Yes, sugar is terrible.
- Have a seat. - Thank you.
- Drink some water. - You guys are really nice.
The two men increased the ratings by faking Renzo Nervi's death.
Famous collectors and auction houses were also involved.
A Renzo Nervi painting can go up to several hundreds of thousands of euros.
- Jail? - Racket...
Soap bar...
No. Wait.
Excuse me, please. A bit of...
A bit of...
One at a time.
- Sir. Sir, please. - You.
Is there a life after death?
Light rains are long and sudden storms are short.
Mr. Forestier, how do you see the future and do you have any worries?
None. Mr. Nervi and I believe in the justice of our country.
Fresh meat!
To the shower!
You're gonna have a hell of a time!
Let's meet in the shower!
It's not so bad.
At least we're still together.
You think the TV works?
There's an intercom.
Hello. This is Mr. Forestier and Mr. Nervi speaking.
Would it be possible to send someone to fix or plug in the TV?
There is no electricity.
Hello?
NFTS FINALLY MADE CLEAR
"NFTs can be bought and exchanged like any other cryptocurrency."
Don't care.
We can turn any work of art into an NFT. That's interesting.
I was indeed Renzo Nervi's patron.
He is an artist who I particularly value.
He is, of course, eccentric.
At first, we had to hide this painting from visitors because...
Whack its head.
I prefer not to tell its estimated worth.
All has already been said about Renzo Nervi. He's a genius.
One of the greatest painters of the 21st century.
He is a close friend, first and foremost.
I'll be writing his biography.
I had no idea. Did you know?
It will be called Life Before, During and After Death.
A penny for your thoughts.
I think you were right. We've become everything we hated.
If we do nothing, your paintings will end up like us.
Jailed...
Imprisoned in vaults in Dubai or God knows where.
Locked up behind passwords.
- Arthur? - Yes.
I've got an idea to save a few of them.
SIX MONTHS
OF GOOD BEHAVIOR LATER
- Well, thank you. Goodbye. - Have a nice day.
How are you, Judas?
I'm sorry, Master, but I had no choice.
I'm kidding. Come here.
You OK?
Hello. Quiet, please.
Thank you all for coming here today.
We will auction Renzo Nervi's paintings. Renzo who is here with us.
This first painting is called Schrödinger's Cat.
It's a tribute to the cat used in the quantum physics experiments.
- The starting price is... - Twenty euros.
- Twenty euros? - Yes.
Agreed on 20 euros.
ACTION AGAINST HUNGER
Anyone on 22?
Twenty-two fifty.
- Twenty-three. - Who says more?
- Twenty-four. - Who says more?
Twenty-four going once, going twice, going three times...
Sold!
There we go.
The next one is one of my favorites.
- It's called The Penrose Men. - Are those moth holes?
Not at all. Those are bullet holes.
Renzo Nervi took a gun and shot his painting.
He wanted to symbolize the death of Western capitalism.
Thank you for Renzo. Thank you.
It's a remarkable painting.
The starting price is 30 euros.
- Thirty-six euros. - Reaching the stars!
- Thirty-eight. - Forty.
Forty going once, twice, three times.
Sold!
Well done, sir.
Its starting price is... Who says more?
Eight.
Twelve in front of me.
Twenty-two here.
- Who says more? - Twenty-three.
- Twenty-six. - Sold!
Well done, madam.
Good evening, Renzo Nervi. We just saw you discount your paintings.
Under normal circumstances, you could have made millions.
What is the meaning of this message?
It shows that the Art world is merely a joke.
It is the perfect example of the corrupted world we leave behind.
Arthur Forestier?
Every international bank has a consulting firm for Art purchases.
This means Art is but an investment like any other.
The price of a painting has become its main role.
You think that's acceptable? It's not acceptable.
Art is not just for the wealthy. Tonight, Art belongs to everyone.
- Do you wish to add anything? - No.
- Have a good evening. - Goodbye.
To the liberation of Art!
Well done and thank you.
- In the eyes! - Cheers!
Eugénie, thank you. Alex, no hard feelings.
Cheers.
What's going on here?
UNKNOWN CALLER
What's this?
This is a message for Arthur Forestier and Renzo Nervi.
Guys, I've heard about you performance.
- Very cool. Keep raising hell. - This is crazy!
EPILOGUE
- You doing OK? - I'm OK.
- Happy birthday, buddy. - Thanks.
- I have something for you. - A present?
Let's open it inside.
Happy birthday for real this time.
- It's... - Yes.
You're out of your mind, Arthur.
It looks just like her.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
- Where are we going? - Don't worry.
You sure?
- Where did you say we were heading? - Nowhere.
Are we there soon?
No goal. No destination. We're free, Arthur.
Getting eaten by wolves is not really my thing.
There are no wolves here.
- Bears then. - No bears either.
- You don't care, you're already dead. - And we only live twice.
What do you think of it now?
Death?
I think I'm against it in the end.
You're really not gonna tell me?
Be patient.
Always in a hurry.
Remind you of anything?
Of course it does.
And so, what do you prefer? Art or reality?
Art.
I guess you prefer reality, right?
How can I beat what has already been created?
By "created", you mean The Creator?
Let's go and eat. I'm hungry.
By the way, I forgot to tell you.
The Belgian royal family is a big fan of your work.
Really? And?
They loved your exhibition at the Louis Vuitton Foundation.
They would really like to have an original painting by you.
Great. You'll have to tell them no.
You know the Belgian royal family has the finest Art collection in the world.
You know I don't do commissions.
Don't you start.
I'm an anti-monarchist. I can't bear kings.
- Kings are like any other collectors. - Don't insist. I'm not interested.
I might go with Alex to Pondicherry to teach painting in a Hindu school.
- What's this bullshit? - I used to be a teacher.
I never told you this but you were a lousy teacher.
- Really? - Yes. Lousy.
Belgium is one of the leading countries when it comes to contemporary Art.
No means no.
We'll talk about it calmly later on.
I am calm. My answer is still no.
We'll see about that.
PAINT IT GOLD