Lea de Lonval Quotes in Chéri (2009)

Lea de Lonval: That woman always makes me feel so grubby. I can't stop myself from going down to her level. She's always been a troublemaker. I landed a good few blows today. We're like two dogs fighting over an old slipper.

Lea de Lonval: Is there anything more wonderful than a bed to oneself?

Madame Peloux: No more than ten cigarettes a day, he said, and brandy only at the weekend. He said it was my heart.

Lea de Lonval: So there is one.

Lea de Lonval: [holding her arms above her head] Beautiful handles, don't you think, for such an old vase?

Lea de Lonval: You came back here and you found an old woman. Yes, you found an old woman. Don't cry. Why are you crying? I'm so grateful to you. Were you really in love with me? Did you really think I was such a good person? If I had been a truly good person, I'd have made a man of you instead of thinking of nothing but your pleasure and my happiness. I wouldn't have kept you all to myself. Look at me. You're right. The qualities you lack, I expect it is my fault. But 30 years of easy living does make you very vulnerable. So no, I never did talk to you about the future. Forgive me. I loved you as if we were going to die the same day. I carried you in my heart for such a long time. I forgot you were going to have to carry your own burdens. A young wife. Perhaps even a child. And so you're going to suffer. You're going to miss me. And you're going to have to try to find enough wisdom and tolerance not to cause suffering to others. The thing is, now you've had a taste of youth. It's never satisfying, but you'll always want to go back for more. You must go. I love you. But it's too late. So get dressed. And go away now.

Lea de Lonval: I'm probably making a fool of myself... but then again, why not? Life is short!

Lea de Lonval: I can't criticize his character, mainly because he doesn't seem to have one!

Lea de Lonval: Being with someone for six years is like following your husband to the colonies. By the time you got back you've forgotten what you're supposed to wear, and nobody remembers who you are.

Cheri: Stop it, Nounoune! I can't allow you to ruin my idea of you!

Lea de Lonval: What?

Cheri: Talking like that, you remind me of my mother!

Lea de Lonval: Did you really think I was such a good person? If I'd been a truly good person, I'd have made a man of you instead of thinking but nothing but your pleasure and my happiness.

Lea de Lonval: What do you expect me to do, go and pine away in Normandy? Stop dyeing my hair? Is that what you want?

Cheri: Yes.

Lea de Lonval: You're not the first young man I've said goodbye to.

Cheri: Yes, I know, but what I thought might be appropriate is if I were the last.

Cheri: Nounoune.

Lea de Lonval: Chéri.

Cheri: You're so beautiful.

Lea de Lonval: A good body lasts a long time.