I rencontre le voyage de I encounters journey of I رحـلة لقــاءات
I rencontre le voyage de I encounters journey of I رحـلة لقــاءات
Interview with Isabelle Huppert Interview with Said Ben Said
In this film, you play the role of a victim of rape. Tell us about this character.
The film focuses on the main character’s feelings. It tells the story of a woman
who is going through a tough time after her painful experience. Yet, the film deals
with other issues. It is indeed a very rich and complex portrait of the life of this
raped woman who decides not to behave like a victim. Quite the opposite, she
decides to transform this dramatic episode of her life into something she can
control and which makes her question herself. How did the project of « Elle » see the light ?
Philippe Djian, the author of “Oh …” novel, called me one day to offer me to
buy his novel’s rights, adding that Isabelle Huppert wanted to have the leading
role. It was already a very exciting offer. So I read it and I immediately thought of
collaborating with director Paul Verhoeven, as the topic and tone of the book were
very close to his sensitivity.
Your impressions on Tunisia?
I know Tunisia well. I have often come here on holiday since I was a child. This
is at least the seventh time I come, and it really is a country I adore. It is at the
same time very alive, very dolce and very beautiful. It is for me a new discovery
every time.
Cities in Tunisia you would like to visit?
The only region of Tunisia that I have yet to visit is the desert. I would love to
visit Tozeur and Nefta. I know the rest of the country fairly well, but I would like
to revisit it
What was your feeling when you won the César?
A feeling of gratitude and joy. On these occasions, you think of yourself, but also
of all the people whom you collaborated with during the film. The whole film
experience was perfect from the start. I really wanted to play in this film from
the moment I read the novel. I then was in touch with Said Ben Said, the film
producer who had the idea to talk to director Paul Verhoeven about it. There was
a kind of harmony from the beginning until the film nomination in Cannes. What
a great adventure!
What is your next project ?
I am still thinking. I haven’t made up my mind yet. Going on a holiday is my only
project for now!
Tell us about Isabelle Huppert’s performance in the film.
A unique actress who plays the role to perfection with strength, fragility and
sensibility was imperative to ace this film. Two words, one name: Isabelle Huppert.
She made us win this senseless bet.
The main topic dealt with in the film is a woman (Isabelle Huppert) subjected to
rape. Tell us about the characters who performed around this topic:
The film tells the story of a raped woman who refuses to be a victim. You will
notice that all male characters in this film are flawed. They are weak, cowardly,
liars or helpless, whereas women are strong and dominating.
What was your feeling when « Elle » won a prize?
I was thrilled to win the César Award but i am aware how arbitrary prizes are…
Your favourite spot in Tunisia ?
Downtown Tunis.
What about the evolution of Tunisian cinema since the revolution?
It is the reflection of the country. It knows a new beginning and beginnings are
always very exciting.
New projects?
Yes, I am preparing "Bacurau" directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, which will
be shot in Brazil, Northeastern Recife. I am also working on Agnès Jaoui’s film,
"Place publique" shot in Paris region.
Your wish for the future of Tunisia?
That the revolution does not end. What I mean by revolution is evidently
insubordination to non-thought, to religious and historical falsification, in short,
to dictatorship in all its forms.ا
1. Photo extraite du film « ELLE
» I Photo from « ELLE » film I
شريط من مستخرجة صورة
""هي
Meeting with two cinema giants:
Isabelle Huppert and Said Ben Said
Visiting Tunisia for the promotion of her film “Elle”, we were honoured to meet for an exclusive
interview with Isabelle Huppert, best actress at César Awards and best actress in a drama at
the 2017 Golden Globe for her performance in the thriller of Paul Verhoeven and Tunisian-
French producer Said Ben Said, premiered in competition for the Palme d’Or at the 2016 Cannes
Film Festival for best film and a Golden Globe for best foreign language film. “Elle”, based on
the novel Oh… by Philippe Djian, stars Isabelle Huppert as a businesswoman, Michèle Leblanc,
whose life turns upside down after being raped in her home by a masked assailant but decides
not to report it due to her pa