The House (La Maison)

I’ve had a lot of stupid ideas during my life.

But I feel that this one's always been there.

More or less consciously.

I thought I'd got it when my heart was broken for the first time...

But if I'm completely honest, it was long before that.

Maybe when I knew what distinguished women from little girls.

Maybe when I started reading...

...or writing my first novel.

Or maybe simply since my first time.

You wonder what a young woman like me, does in such a place?

It's a good question.

And it's a good story.

Well, I think so.

It began a year and a half ago.

I was walking with my best friend along a big Berlin street, at night.

THE HOUSE

You're completely crazy, Emma!

I know you backwards... you'll love this.

It's here.

Wait... look at that!

These Germans take the cake!

The shrink on the left, the whores on the right.

Come on, come on.

You do the talking.

We're celebrating our wedding anniversary.

- No. You wanted to come, you do the talking. - Okay.

You've no wedding ring, they’ll see through us!

You think they'd worry about that? Don't be silly!

I can't. I don't want to.

Stephane... come back!

Can't you sleep?

No.

What's up?

You know me...

Before you arrive I was dying of loneliness.

Now that you're here...

...I need my space.

You must really fucking love yourself.

My poor little girl.

It'll cost you big in shrinks, all that.

Don't be stupid.

Hi.

Stephane's not here?

No, he's gone to London.

Isn't it hard to sleep with your friend...

...and know he's gone with his wife?

Not really.

Can you pass me a knife?

That's exactly why that it works between us.

Yeah... Thanks.

I've slept really well.

- Oh? - I feel so good here.

But I had a dream that was too weird.

You were signing a book...

and a long line of people was waiting.

Except that it wasn't your book...

...but "The History of Poland".

- "The History of Poland". - Yes, I swear.

- With your name on the cover. - And I signed?

Yeah, just like that. As if it were normal.

What's the weirdest...?

That I wrote this book, or the long line of readers...

...who want a dedication.

Don't exaggerate. Your last book was successful.

I guess so.

I think you belittle yourself...

...because you don't have the subject of the next one.

This is a reputable house.

Here, we're all professionals.

I understand.

Is this your first time?

My first time, what?

Have you ever been prostitute before?

Yes.

Oh, yes.

Of course. You really are French?

Yes, of course.

You worked here in Berlin?

No, I moved here very recently, actually.

And the boss? Is he nice?

The boss never touches the girls.

We hardly ever see him.

However, he sees us.

OK...

There's two of them in there.

A name?

Of course, you can use your own, Emma.

- Justine. - Justine... alright.

There's a card with your name on it.

We'll find you an empty locker, and bring your own padlock. OK?

Mika, show the French girl the bath and make-up rooms...

...and give her a pair of shoes.

Come on.

You can take this one.

I want you to take a shower after every client, OK?

At least you use the bidet.

And don't use too much soap... It causes irritation.

Yep.

- Come. - Yes.

Yes.

So in an hour, you can come twice.

Additional are 20 euros more.

Kissing on the mouth or a blow-job without condom is also 20 euros more.

But not with Justine, She doesn’t do that.

No, an hour at the normal rate is fine.

- Follow me. - Okay.

Do you want me to put on some music?

Okay.

Maybe some champagne? It's only 20 euros extra.

No, it's okay... come here.

OK.

Sit on me.

That's it.

It's very dangerous!

No, it's not dangerous. I need money.

You kidding?

Become a saleswoman or waitress, like everyone else.

I want to write about it, to know how it goes...

...to meet customers, talk to the girls...

It's a good subject for a book...

...but you can meet whores in other ways.

In addition, in Berlin, it's not at all complicated.

Just accept the fact that I want to do it!

Damn it...!

You and I don't have the same relationship to screwing. No matter.

But you don't have to judge me.

Stop, I'm not judging you, you know...

But I'm your sister and I'm worried. That's normal, isn't it?

Emma to like sex, and wanting to talk about it...

...like in your books...

It's rare and really great, It's really something.

But becoming a whore, Emma, is another thing altogether.

What if Mum finds out... Have you thought about that?

There's no reason for her to know.

We agree on that?

- That OK? - Yes.

You know that if you write this book...

...it'll haunt you your whole life.

To the world, you'll never again be just a writer.

You'll also be a whore, for all time.

I may not want to be "just a writer", as you call it.

I don't do this to please.

I don't care what people think.

Oh yeah!

Where are you going?

I'm going home.

You think in this house, the girls are not welcoming?

That guy's looking at you. What are you waiting for?

Hello... I'm Justine.

- From Paris. - I'm Mark, from Oregon.

Nice to meet you.

Why did you get into this business?

You're way too good for this.

You're like a dream.

A dream with a rent to pay.

Actually I'm a writer.

I want to write a book about brothels, and desire.

But it's a big secret I'm telling you, OK?

No one must find out.

OK. I won't tell a soul. You can trust me.

What brings you here?

My friends dragged me along.

I became a father 6 months ago.

To a boy.

Congratulations.

And my wife...

...can't bear me to touch her anymore.

I love her.

Dearly.

But I miss her.

So much!

I understand.

Come on.

Lay down.

I'm sorry.

You should never have gone back there.

You think I did it because of our stupid tiff?

You know me better than that Stephane.

What are you doing?

I'm walking the dog.

I'm going home, I'm cold.

- What? - I'm damn cold.

- Are you listening to me? - Yes, I'm listening.

It really is a stupid idea.

There's is a difference between loving to fuck and becoming a whore.

Of course, I'm worried.

You're a writer... you can understand.

Writer is not a journalist. Writing is...

It's not telling... it's inventing.

We can go on discussing this forever.

Most clients I've had, have been...

...really like "normal".

A little bald, with a wedding ring, and they fuck normally.

I really don't want to hear about it.

What's the point of cheating on his wife, if it's to fuck missionary?

When you cheat on your wife with me, it's joyful.

Alright, but I don't want to know.

Come on! It's only you who would understand.

You see, I had a client who I found very charming.

It's weird, but it's harder with a handsome guy.