Balthazar (1966)

Pierre Klossowski: Merchant

Photos 

Quotes 

• Marie : Don't you believe in anything?

  Merchant : I believe in what I own. I love money. I hate death.

  Marie : You'll die like everyone else.

  Merchant : I will bury them all.

• Merchant : That's what happens when you place honor above everything. He's spent his life creating obligations for himself. What for? No one in ten believes he's innocent. Do I have any obligations? I'm free, obliged only to do what serves my interests, and can bring me a profit... and a handsome profit at that. Life's nothing but a fairground, a marketplace where even your word is unnecessary. A bank note will do. Paying people frees you from any obligations. Better still, get them to work for nothing. Not everyone sees things my way. You quickly learn you can do as you like and still command respect. It just takes nerve and flair.

• Marie : It's not money I need but a friend.

  Merchant : Yes, yes. A friend.

  Marie : A friend who can tell me how to run away. I've always wanted to.

  Merchant : Run away?

  Marie : Run away. A friend to share my pleasures and pain.

  Merchant : I'll share your pleasures and pain. But I hope it's more pleasure than pain.