Anne reads her younger sister, Marie-Catherine, the story of Bluebeard. In 17th-century France, another set of sisters — also named Anne and Marie-Catherine — are left impoverished by their father's death. Marie-Catherine dreams of marrying into money, and soon falls for wealthy divorcé Bluebeard. Grateful for the chance at a life of comfort, Marie-Catherine marries Bluebeard — in spite of rumors that he has made a hobby of murdering his wives.

A fantasized portrayal of Polish auteur Walerian Borowczyk, Boro discovers a cruel and obscene world. He experiences banal yet colorful adventures, caressing erotic birds and organic cameras in a phantasmagorical alphabet.

O rage, O despair, in Alex's life, who had planned to seduce Sandrine by inviting her to a musical (adapted from "The Cid" by Corneille). But she lets him down four hours before the show. Reselling the tickets is turning out to be a real nuisance, which results in Alex having words with all his friends.

At 25, Berthe dreams of making a living from her painting, never to marry, and to always stay with her sister Edma. Her parents do not see things from the same angle. Then Berthe meets Edouard Manet, who takes an interest in this young artist apprentice whose face inspires him.