«You have no imagination, no heart, no balls, no sap.»
Stéphane (Daniel Auteuil) is a violin maker. He works for his friend Maxime (André Dussollier), who leaves Stéphane and his apprentice alone to touch the violins. Maxime takes care of running the shop, selling instruments, unearthing rare pieces and finding customers, accompanying them «like patients». This is how he meets the talented young violinist Camille Kessler (Emmanuelle Béart). Maxime leaves his wife. He tells his friend Stéphane, who, as usual, remains indifferent.