Daguerrotype (Le Secret de la chambre noire)

DAGUERROTIPO

- Yes? - Hello.

I'm Jean Malassis. I called yesterday for the interview.

It's you. You're early.

I will return later.

No matter, come in.

Right after the green gate.

All right. Thank you.

Good Morning. Come on in.

Follow me.

Wait for me here.

Where are the other candidates?

There's no more.

Why not?

Most of them studied photography, so they were discarded.

When I talked to them on the phone I knew it would not work.

You're the only one left.

You'll like Stéphane, I'm sure.

Thanks for waiting. Come with me.

Who is this?

The young man who applied for the assistant job.

I see.

Hi. Jean Malassis.

Stéphane Hegray.

He is Louis.

He has a bad back. Can't work on the shots.

Now he manages the house.

I'm leaving.

Listen, sir ...

I am not a professional photographer.

I do not have experience. - All right.

But I like it.

It has always interested me.

It is what it is.

I knew it.

Just do what I tell you.

What is that?

A camera.

All that? - Yes.

Push the plate towards me.

Push.

Help me carry it, I can't do it alone.

Grab the frame!

Carefully!

Watch out.

We'll put it there.

This is mercury.

Bring me another.

Carefully.

Where do I put it?

What is this?

It is the device used to immobilize my models.

Immobilize?

Life-size daguerrotypes require extreme precision.

The perched lasts long.

If the model moves, even slightly, it would be a big problem.

I think I saw your model before.

A lady with old clothes. Was it her?

Yes.

These daguerreotypes were made 170 years ago.

They disappeared.

I attempt to recreate them here.

Come.

This is a photo?

This is what should be considered real photograph.

It looks like someone who lived 170 years ago, like the rest.

Their very being is part of the silver plate.

Marie, my daughter.

One second, I'm almost done.

Take your time.

Dad? - Yes?

How long did the perched last today?

Sixty minutes.

It was very long.

Yes.

At one point, I got scared.

Of what?

I dont know.

Fear wasn't specific. It was like a premonition.

You think too much.

They are only 60 minutes.

Like waiting for a bus or a train.

Sing mentally.

You've taken many photos of me.

Is there anything left to photograph?

Parents photograp their daughters.

All yours.

Here, Stephane.

And old Louis?

He no longer works in the shots.

I hired a guy in his place.

Inexperienced, but skillful.

Hopefully it will be like that. - Jean, rotates the reflector.

Quick, the light is running out.

Ready.

Well, Miss, come on.

She sneezed! She cannot sit still for ten seconds!

Again. Jean, another plate.

A natural pose would be good, don't you think?

If what you want is digital, any will do.

I'm sure Jean will do fine.

It's the era we live.

Shouldn't fashion photography evolve with the times?

You never listen to me.

Vincent ... look.

Look at that idiot.

She thinks she can relax ...

... be natural before the camera, but her work is the opposite.

She must give part of herself ...

... part of her being to the target!

In that sense, Denise was the perfect model.

We did not come to talk about Denise. - I am sorry.

Anyway, your photos are in high demand.

Ready.

Please Miss, just 20 more minutes.

Could you give me 20 minutes of your life?

Sorry, time to go.

Marie Hegray, 22 years old.

Correct? - Yes.

Why do you want to work in Jardin des Plantes?

Because I love plants. That's it.

What do you think would bring?

We do not see plants move in the naked eye.

We tend to ignore them. Like the stones.

But its roots penetrate the earth and control the environment.

It is their dedication ...

... and not only its beauty ...

... or its purity what fascinates me.

I did not answer your question. - It's okay.

You did not studied botany and horticulture.

How did you learn about plants?

I read many books.

And I have experience. - Experience?

Yes.

Since I was a child...

... we grow plants in the greenhouse of my garden.

A greenhouse? Do you live in a mansion?

Not at all.

A suburban house with some land.

I see.

Your profile is unusual, but you know botany.

Unfortunately, it's not what we're looking for.

Your enthusiasm is admirable. There is a job ...

... that would suit you much better ...

... elsewhere, and I would recommend you.

Yes! Thank you.

Yes, it is in Toulouse.

Toulouse? - Yes.

If hired, you would have to leave you mansion.

Agree.

Hello. - Hello.

Are you the new assistant? - Yes.

There is mercury over there. - I know.

That's why it can't be thrown anywhere.

Come see.

The greenhouse is contaminated.

You're right.

What do you think my father?

I dont know.

We cultivate rare plants.

Watch this.

Each spilled drop kills a plant.

I am sorry.

I count on you. - You can do it.

Hello. - Hi, Jean!

A beer. - Sure.

It's been weeks.

Where have you been? - I was busy.

I wrote you. - And I answered.

Briefly.

This is what I owe you.

Do you a lot? - I don't complain.

You got lucky.

I went to all agencies. There's no longer work.

I'll have to go back to Lens.

No work there either, but I will live for free at home.

You should do the same. - You're right.

There's no place like home.

Allow me.

There.

¿Jean?

Yes? - Ready?

We start now.

The perched today is 70 minutes long.

BOTANICAL GARDEN OF TOULOUSE

We received your application and we are interested in hiring you ...

What's up, Marie?

How are you? Today was very long. - All right.

Jean? - Yes?

I talked to the Botanical Garden in Toulouse.

They might hire me.

Crazy, right?

I never felt anything so wonderful.

That's great.

I've had good fortune.

I'm glad for you.

Me too.

If I leave, who will look after the greenhouse?

Don't worry, I'll be here.

And my father?