Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles1975

Sylvain Dielman:
[Referring to his friend Yan] He bought a book that explains lots of things about climaxes and orgasms. He says we should be interested in women at our age, but he doesn't want some young girl. He says a man's penis is like a sword. The deeper you thrust it in, the better. But I thought, "A sword hurts." He said, "True, but it's like fire." But then where's the pleasure?

Jeanne Dielman:
There's no point talking about these things.

Sylvain Dielman:
He's the one who told me everything when I was 10. I said, "What? Dad does that to Mom?" I hated Dad for months after that, and I wanted to die. When he died, I thought it was punishment from God. Now I don't even believe in God anymore. Yan also said it wasn't just to make babies. So I started having nightmares so you'd stay with me at night and Dad wouldn't have a chance to thrust inside you.

Jeanne Dielman:
You shouldn't have worried. It's late. I'm turning out he light.