The Favour, the Watch and the Very Big Fish (1991) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

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1. 1

   Commissioned to photograph Jesus

   Norbert, a prestigious curator, shifts the planned project from John the Baptist to Jesus and seeks a suitable model. Louis, a struggling photographer, hopes this new assignment will steady his finances. This decision sets the whole trajectory of Louis's career and personal life in motion.

   Where

   Norbert's office, Paris

2. 2

   Louis covers Zalman's dubbing job

   Zalman asks Louis to cover for him so he can recover from flu. Louis discovers Zalman's gig is voice-dubbing porn, an assignment far from his religious photography. While working, he ends up near Sybil and, to everyone's shock, has a loud orgasm, prompting him to introduce himself as Zalman to conceal the ruse.

   Where

   Zalman's dubbing studio, Paris

3. 3

   First encounter with Sybil

   Louis, pretending to be Zalman, is introduced to Sybil at the dubbing studio. In a dazed state, he accidentally has a loud, intense orgasm, which shocks him but strangely impresses Sybil. She is curious about the shy photographer behind the cover story, and he awkwardly keeps up the disguise as they exchange names.

   Where

   Dubbing studio, Paris

4. 4

   Sybil's pianist backstory

   Sybil shares the story of her last relationship with a passionate but delusional pianist who worked in the same restaurant. A birthday girl gives her a watch to coax a smile from him, and their bond grows as his playing improves. A jealous violinist is attacked by the pianist and ends up jailed for three years. This backstory deepens Louis's sympathy for Sybil and the musical world around them.

   Where

   Restaurant, Paris

5. 5

   Louis helps with the Pianist's suit

   Moved by Sybil's tale, Louis lends her money to buy a suit for the Pianist and promises to meet at the prison gates. The plan is to support the pianist as he becomes a religious symbol, with Sybil hoping for a future together. This act deepens his entanglement in their lives and the upcoming revelation that the pianist is the candidate for Jesus.

   Where

   Restaurant/shops, Paris

6. 6

   Missed meeting and wrong identity

   Sybil's sick grandfather causes a delay, and Louis ends up following the wrong person to the prison gates to find the pianist. When he realizes the suit has been returned to the shop window, he suspects something has gone wrong. The coincidence plants seeds of doubt about the pianist's identity and Louis's own role in the drama.

   Where

   Paris streets and clothing shop

7. 7

   Pianist arrives at Norbert's; Louis recognizes him as Jesus model

   In a rainstorm, the pianist unexpectedly finds Norbert's card and goes to Norbert's office, where Louis realizes he is the perfect model for Jesus. Norbert secures a lucrative contract for the pianist, lifting Louis's career to its peak. The artist's identity starts to blur between himself, Jesus, and the world they are portraying.

   Where

   Norbert's office, Paris

8. 8

   Photoshoot and posters spread

   Louis shoots the Pianist as Jesus and captures a range of images under different names, including Frédéric Chopin. The photos and posters begin circulating, causing the public to increasingly accept the Pianist as the face of Jesus. Louis experiences professional triumph and mounting tension as his own affections for Sybil clash with the public spectacle.

   Where

   Photography session, Paris

9. 9

   The attempted miracle and growing doubt

   The Pianist is pressured to perform a miracle-like cure for a blind boy, and during the attempt a golf ball accidentally restores the boy's sight. This event makes the Pianist doubt his own identity and wonder if he truly is Jesus. Meanwhile, Louis and the Pianist grow closer through late-night conversations about faith and love for Sybil.

   Where

   Public space/Street, Paris

10. 10

    Pianist's belief and disclosure

    After the incident, the Pianist becomes convinced that he is Jesus. He confides in Louis about his feelings for Sybil, and Louis's own unspoken affection deepens the emotional entanglement. The friendship becomes a triangle of longing, art, and faith.

    Where

    Louis's studio, Paris

11. 11

    Confrontation at Norbert's

    Sybil returns the suit and repays Zalman, who lies ill at home, but the Pianist experiences jealousy when he sees Sybil talking with Norbert. He attacks Louis, unaware of his prior relationship with Sybil and the web of lies surrounding the identity swap.

    Where

    Norbert's office, Paris

12. 12

    Drowning and reunion

    Believing himself to be Jesus, the Pianist attempts to walk on water and drowns in a river. Louis, still confused and carrying the Pianist's ashes in an urn, is reunited with Sybil when she finds him. The film ends with their renewed closeness and a final reveal that Louis is still wearing the watch Sybil gave to Zalman.

    Where

    River, Paris