A stressed filmmaker and Denise’s estranged boyfriend. He struggles with fear and alienation after their separation, neglecting his daughter Cecile and his ex-wife. He reluctantly covers an interview for Denise, fails to meet the deadline, and later meets Isabelle at a bar. He attempts to rekindle his relationship with Denise but is accidentally struck by a car at the film’s conclusion.
A talented computer scientist in Paris diagnosed with a rare, fatal brain disorder that causes rapid memory loss and deteriorating speech coherence.
The central protagonist, a Dutch painter whose final 67 days in 1890 form the narrative core of the film. The story explores his artistic process, mental state, and personal relationships.
Elizabeth's wealthy husband, entangled in complex social and romantic ties.
An internationally renowned virtuoso pianist whose life revolves around his music. He married Mika, left her for Lisbeth (with whom he had a son, Guillaume), and remarried Mika after Lisbeth's death. He is emotionally distant, neglects his wife, abuses sleeping pills, and wishes his son were more active.
Supporting character, distinct from Bertrand Lannier, likely a friend.
Léon is a gentle, kind salesman of miraculous crosses who is engaged to be married and worries about the cost of a modest engagement dinner with his future in-laws. After the French Mafia chief is dying, Léon is abruptly named as his heir. He is thrust from a shabby studio into a luxurious, dangerous world and relies on kindness, authority, and cunning to survive challenges from rival heirs.
Avit is an old acquaintance of the returning visitor, whom he meets again after the visitor arrives. He boasts about the money and possessions he acquired during years in the bush, then taunts the visitor about Laurence, who is now living with Patrice Doumbe. His taunts sharpen the jealousy and resentment surrounding their strained relationships.
A shady jewelry dealer who draws Marianne into his orbit. He is revealed to be the man who previously orchestrated her disastrous and loveless marriage, making their renewed connection fraught with manipulation and danger.
An accountant introduced through Mado's circle after Simon Léotard asks whether she knows someone with accounting expertise. His entrance connects Mado to Simon's investigation and business concerns, although the summary does not specify any later action or explain the full extent of his professional involvement.
Protagonist and gambler who initially survives on roulette winnings in Madeira. He is drawn into a global cheating tour by Jörg, later reunites with Suzie in Italy, and develops a sophisticated radio-controlled ball system. After a reckless first win leads to a total loss, he learns to cooperate with Suzie, eventually fleeing to France with their winnings to buy a chateau.
Antoine Gardella is Jeanne Gardella's husband, a businessman and member of an organized crime family, as well as the son of the murdered couple. Although Jeanne's marriage role was imposed by Thurson, Antoine loves her and ultimately accepts the truth. Ordered to kill Jeanne and Christophe Vade, he refuses and chooses suicide.
Jacques Dutronc has 74 screen credits in a career dating back to 1966. Their work is anchored in the Summer Things universe with 2 titles. Signature works include Every Man for Himself, Van Gogh, My Nights Are More Beautiful Than Your Days. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Related entry on Wikidata (Q713477), public domain (CC0).
