third film // unintentional video

[cinematiques]

[The image starts out dim, dark greys and flickering blues, before it focuses to show Shoshanna, seated in the projection booth at the Crest Theater, watching-something-quite intently. Her NV, the gold compact she inherited from Madame Mimieux, has for one reason or another begun recording without its owner's knowledge; it's sitting on a nearby

Comments

[alwaysforhim]

[Quietly:]

. . . what is all that?

[cinematiques]

Video footage of my people being freed.

[alwaysforhim]

Then-- forgive me, I don't understand. Isn't that a good thing?

[cinematiques]

Yes, it is. I merely was unaware that such a thing happened. It occurred after my death.

[alwaysforhim]

You died?

[cinematiques]

I did. Just before arriving here, in fact.

[alwaysforhim]

I'm sorry.

[cinematiques]

It was not in vain. There is no need to apologize.

[alwaysforhim]

Still-- your own death can't have been easy.

[A beat.]

Who are your people?

[cinematiques]

I suppose not. I don't dwell on it much.

The French. The Jews.

[alwaysforhim]

[He shakes his head.]

I suppose so many years have past-- but I am glad, for you and your people. I'm sorry, I don't even know your name.

[cinematiques]

Thank you. [She gives him a nod and a small smile.] Shoshanna.

[alwaysforhim]

Merlin.

[cinematiques]

It's nice to meet you.

[alwaysforhim]

You as well. Are you going to be all right?

[cinematiques]

[Her smile, for its tightness, is no less sincere.]

I always am.