Robert (Augustin) wakes up on a snowy morning philosophizing on a high window ledge while his girlfriend belittles him - a morning tiff over reason vs. practicality and senses over thought and FREEDOM - a big theme in the film. "It is not abnormal to try to find one's freedom", says Augustin.

Augustin is trying to make sense of his life, of everything, and not doing a very good job of it. He finds no sense in his life. Is in crisis, but doesn't seem to realize it. Yet, he seeks out psychiatrists, theologians, etc. for answers. He lives in a world of abstractions and ideas and is a mathematics lecturer, no emotions, feelings, no relationship to the human side of things.

When he finally does put himself in touch with spirituality, he profanes the experience, has a breakdown, and repents in a shocking manner - somewhat fulfilling the biblical saying "If your hand commits evil, cut it off; if your eye sins, pluck it out."

Has he learned anything?