Cousin, Cousine (1975)

Victor Lanoux: Ludovic

Quotes 

• Ludovic : It's a shame. People should look for adventure, if only for an hour every so often.

• Ludovic : When I first moved to Paris, I lived near the Folies-Bergeres. I used to leave my door ajar, hoping a girl would wander in. No luck.

  Marthe : When I was younger, I kept falling in love. I'd see a boy, I'd like him. I couldn't sleep. I'd be crazy about him, but I wouldn't let him touch me. I was so stupid.

• Ludovic : We'll keep it platonic and just enjoy being together.

  Marthe : They'll be jeolous.

  Ludovic : So what? Our conscience will be clear. The years will go by. We'll be a stunning couple. "Do you realize they've been together 20 years and have never had sex?" "No, really!"

  Marthe : [laughs]  What we have is fabulous. Will it stay that way?

• Ludovic : I teach dancing.

  Marthe : Classical?

  Ludovic : No-no. Tango, tap, jerk, Charleston.

  Marthe : How did you become a dance teacher?

  Ludovic : By chance. It's fun.

• Ludovic : Music, champagne. What a life!

• Marthe : What a pretty hat.

  Ludovic : It'd look great on you.

  Marthe : My husband hates me to wear hats.

  Ludovic : Then I'll buy it for you.

  Marthe : Okay! I'll wear it home. The look on his face! What does your wife hate?

  Ludovic : Flashy ties. She thinks they're vulgar.

  Marthe : I'll buy you a hideous tie.

  Ludovic : Great! I'll wear it to the clinic!

• Marthe : What's going to happen now?

  Ludovic : We could say "tu" and "toi."

  Marthe : That's not easy for me. But I promise I'll try.

  Ludovic : Then two things. First we either sleep together or we don't.

  Marthe : If we do, we'll have to lie, you to your wife and me to Pascal. Kind of pathetic, isn't it? Or we could do it and then say goodbye forever.

  Ludovic : Then I'd rather not.

• Marthe : A year ago, I wanted to die. I spent a whole day trying to decide how. But I didn't have the guts.

  Ludovic : You wanted to die? Why?

  Marthe : I felt wretched. My job, my husband, my kid. Some days it all seems so stupid.

• Ludovic : We're going to leave.

  Marthe : As you like.

  Pascal : [observing from the other side of the room]  That's funny. You two say "tu" and "toi." Karine and I use "vous."

• Karine : I'll be all smiles for your sake. I've decided to stop boring people. You'll see. I can be funny. I was like that once, wasn't I?

  Ludovic : Oui-oui.

• Ludovic : As a boy, I wanted to be a bum. My parents wouldn't let me.

• Marthe : Someday I'd like you to make me cry. I told you that before. I can't seem to cry.

  Ludovic : I promise to try.