The Middle of the World (Le Milieu du monde)

THE MIDDLE OF THE WORLD

A film's story and form

are extremely dependent

on where, when and under which circumstances

the film is shot.

This film was made at a place

known as the "Middle of the World."

But there are as many "middles" in the world as there are human beings.

The watershed between a continent's North

and South is located here.

This film was shot in 1974,

in an era of normalization.

Normalization means that everything

is interchangeable between nations, classes

and theoretically opposing

political systems,

provided that there are no changes in the nature of things.

The expectations remain,

but normalization restores them

to their previous forms.

Only words and explanations

are changed when expectations are lowered.

Words, dates, seasons change, but nothing else.

DECEMBER 6

This film is the story of an Italian waitress

and an engineer from the "Middle of the World" over a period of 112 days.

Each dawn announces a new day.

It's Paul Chamoret.

He's not a party member.

Excellent idea!

We have to think it over. You can't become a parliamentarian

without some familiarity with the political machine.

I see it as a trump card.

Isn't Schmocker running?

That depends.

We're here to discuss it.

Paul's agreeable.

He's proved himself on the council.

He's hard-working. He knows the dossiers.

He's conscientious

and politically unobjectionable.

He's from the region and has worked his way up on his own.

He's established among industry players while his father is still a farmer.

But here's the most important issue:

Since he's new, he'll be placed at the bottom of the ballot.

He won't stand a chance of being elected.

We'll give him Schmocker's position.

That way he'll automatically succeed.

You've seen to everything.

All in favor of Chamoret, raise your hand.

Very well.

I'll call Paul.

No, let me talk to him first.

Hello? - Hi, how are you?

Good, thanks. The party committee just decided

to nominate you as its candidate for the next election.

We should meet next week.

DECEMBER 7

Are you going to wear this tie?

It's not very pretty.

I'll change.

Can I have the car today?

Yes, of course.

Thanks. Bye.

Where you used to work,

was it "tip included"? - Yeah.

Then you don't know how to make change. I'll explain it to you.

Never take out your money in front of customers.

Keep it in your pocket so no one sees how much you have.

Whenever possible, give them 20 centimes coins.

Do you end up with more that way?

Always.

But you need to calculate quickly.

If someone buys a round, give them 50 centimes or franc coins.

It'll pay off by closing time.

And you'll get rich!

You're so silly!

DECEMBER 15

Look over here.

Come on.

If I didn't have any cards in my hand...

Keep them in your pocket.

With their... Just ask Marcel.

Have a drink with us.

No time. I'm all alone.

With snappy guys like us...

Smart...

It's my turn.

How dare you!

Excuse me, ma'am.

Jerk!

Well, overtrump it.

DECEMBER 16

Your father? - He's an agriculturist.

Very good. - He's a farmer.

Around here?

In Eligoz. I was born there.

And went to elementary school there? - Yes.

You got your degree in engineering?

Brilliant.

This work is unusual for us, but it won't be difficult.

Having a public relations company

conduct your election campaign is a little odd.

But you're right.

The parties have to adapt.

He was a councilman here in Saint-Claret.

Were you council president? - No.

You will be. You're married, yes?

Yes. We have one child.

Two would have been better.

I could work on another one.

We'll make do with one.

Might you be interested in any particular social problems?

Or your wife. That'd be even better.

She doesn't work, does she? - No.

Is she engaged in any social activities?

None that I know of.

We have a campaign speech template.

It can be altered, of course.

In some regions, you'll be introduced as a down-to-earth farmer's son

and in others as a technical director or a young family man.

Mr. Chamoret is a kind of,

how shall I put it,

a kind of "virgin" candidate,

an apolitical one, if you will.

We won't present him as a party man, but as a common citizen

who is more interested in public matters than party affairs.

One slogan might be "Vote for the non-politician!"

DECEMBER 24

I'm off. You're closing.

Don't forget the back doors.

Good night. - Good night.

JANUARY 12

You called.

Yes. Have a seat, Chamoret.

I've prepared a text on economic problems.

It's a little dry.

Don't use this version. Make it a little more vivid.

It's important for people to be aware of our problems.

If we're going to ask for their total commitment,

they should also know what's at stake.

Inasmuch as these particular financial matters can be explained to them.

Adriana, I need to tell you something.

When customers start talking politics, you need to be deaf and dumb.

It's none of your business.

Especially now, before the elections, keep out of it.

Because I'm Italian?

Not at all.

But you should never mix politics and business.

Politics is politics and business is business.

Beer is neither democratic, Catholic nor socialist.

It costs a franc and that's it.

Politics only mean trouble for us.

JANUARY 14

Something's strange: Your breasts are not the same size.

Either one is smaller or the other is larger.

I swear.

I've often looked at your breasts,

but I'm seeing them today for the first time.

What an idiot!

What does "scemo" mean?

Idiot.

A month ago she would have slapped you.

She's getting used to us.

Her breasts really aren't the same size.

But you all aren't interested.

Are you going to play or talk nonsense?

I don't like men who talk like that.

JANUARY 15

"It's a paradox,

but it makes our prices less competitive abroad.

Our most effective weapon against this is in our own hands.

We must learn to suppress our appetites.

Our most effective weapon against this is in our own hands.

We must learn to suppress our appetites.

We're in hot water."

Do you have a long drive? - To Moruz-Gare.

What's there? - A meeting.

A political meeting of the ADP? - Yes.

You're giving a speech?

The election campaign has started.

You're already in demand at the factory.

I don't get you.

What do you want? - It's part of the job.

What a load.

Is the factory forcing you?

A little. - You're going down.

He won't get elected.

We'll say bad things about you.

A lot of people come through here.

One less. - One pig less.

Will you buy us a meal if we keep you from getting elected?

For services rendered. - Okay.

Will you write it down? - Sure.

Bye. - Bye.

Tell a nice story!

But nothing stupid!

Awful weather!

There, for the speakers.

Friends and companions...