Don Juan or If Don Juan Were a Woman (1973) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

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1. 1

   Funeral encounter and confession

   Jeanne arrives at the funeral service in France to visit her cousin Paul. As Paul prays and the ceremony ends, they speak of the year since they last saw each other. In their chat, Jeanne confesses that she has killed someone.

   When

   Funeral day

   Where

   France – funeral service

2. 2

   Inheritance and the Don Juan image

   Back at her residence, Jeanne discusses her inheritance and the dead father's fortune with her secretary, Léporella. She proclaims herself the reincarnation of Don Juan and takes pride in destroying men who fall for her charms. Léporella leaves, leaving Jeanne with her schemes and ambitions.

   Where

   Jeanne's residence

3. 3

   Archery competition and first affair

   At an archery competition, Jeanne and Paul watch Pierre Gonzagues win the championship. Pierre drives Jeanne home and, as a married man, admits to adulterous affairs. Their affair begins that day and quickly becomes consuming.

   When

   During the competition day

   Where

   Archery field; Pierre's residence

4. 4

   Dinner invitation and continued affair

   A week later, Jeanne is invited to a dinner hosted by Pierre's wife, joined by a playwright and his girlfriend. The gathering exposes the social circle around Pierre, while the affair with Jeanne continues in the background. The dynamic between Jeanne and Pierre grows more tangled.

   When

   One week after the start of the affair

   Where

   Pierre's residence

5. 5

   Love confession and rejection

   Three months later, Jeanne waits outside Pierre's workplace and then later goes to his residence to press her case. She confesses her love for Pierre, but he declines to continue the affair. The rejection spurs Jeanne to engineer bolder moves.

   When

   Three months later

   Where

   Outside Pierre's workplace; Pierre's residence

6. 6

   Jeanne's island trap plan

   Jeanne devises a scheme to trap Pierre by inviting him to a secluded mansion on an island near Sweden. They argue briefly during the visit, but days later they attend a university party where the scheme is staged. The public scandal remains part of her plan.

   Where

   Secluded mansion on island near Sweden; later university party

7. 7

   University party and scandal

   During the university party and an ensuing orgy, a blonde student is involved in a scuffle. Pierre is photographed helping the student, and the images are published in the French press. The scandal triggers political fallout and Pierre's wife divorces him.

   When

   Days after the island invitation

   Where

   University party; press coverage

8. 8

   Pierre's fall and the bar encounter

   Back in France, Pierre is nearly destitute and drifts into a bar where he encounters Jeanne. He blames her for ruining him, reigniting their destructive dynamic.

   When

   After the divorce

   Where

   France – bar

9. 9

   Flight to London with Louis and Clara

   Jeanne rides with Louis Prévost and his wife Clara, and Louis hosts a party at his suite. Clara complains about Louis's savagery, and Louis throws Clara into an interior pool before Jeanne joins them on a trip to London.

   When

   That night

   Where

   Louis's suite (France); train to London

10. 10

    London: Jeanne and Clara bond; Louis's jealousy

    In London, Louis discovers Jeanne and Clara in bed together and tries to push for a ménage à trois. The two women walk away, mocking his demand, and Jeanne reveals she only wanted to possess him through Clara. Louis responds with a brutal slap.

    When

    In London

    Where

    London

11. 11

    Locked door and the storytelling continues

    Inside the London house, Paul decides to leave but discovers Jeanne has locked the door from the inside. He and Jeanne argue over the house key, and Jeanne presses on with her story to keep him engaged. Their confrontation underscores the manipulation at play.

    When

    During their stay in London

    Where

    London residence

12. 12

    Guitarist and suicide

    Jeanne recalls her relationship with the guitarist she spotted at Louis's party. After the nightclub closes, the guitarist serenades her and agrees to give up everything for her. They consummate, but the guitarist slits his wrists and dies; Jeanne calls the ambulance.

    When

    Post-nightclub

    Where

    Nightclub and afterward

13. 13

    Guilt and reconciliation with Paul

    Jeanne confesses her guilt to Paul again, and he and Jeanne have sex, deepening their complicated bond. The scene reinforces the sexual power she wields over him and others.

    When

    After the guitarist's death

    Where

    London residence

14. 14

    Plan to meet Pierre again

    Jeanne spots Pierre outside and arranges to meet him the next day, continuing to weave her network of encounters. The anticipation of another liaison heightens the tension between old flames.

    When

    Next day

    Where

    Near Jeanne's location

15. 15

    Final arson: Jeanne burns alive

    Before Jeanne can reach the planned meeting, Pierre doses the floor with gasoline and lights a fire. He escapes, but Jeanne is burned alive in the blaze, ending the deadly game.

    When

    Final confrontation

    Where

    Pierre's residence (London/nearby)