Ventura, Depardieu, Villeret, his beginnings as a “one of the worst reporters in France”… We could listen for hours to the whirlwind of anecdotes, always tinged with humour, from the rich career of Francis Veber. The Tourbillon, itis also the name of his new play which he will present at the Théâtre de la Madeleine, in Paris, from September 22.
But before his “capital” return, it was in his house in Le Pradet that he rehearsed his play with his actors, Caterina Murino, Philippe Lellouche, Stéphane Metzger and Aline Gaillot. An idyllic setting to prepare.
So what is it about The whirlwind? “Of a depressive journalist and a somewhat awkward and brutal cop, as well as their respective wives, replies Francis Veber. But you often summarize better than me, Philippe.”
“Francis came up with the great idea that the best way to recover from depression was to talk to a jerk, continues Philippe Lellouche. In this case my character, spiritual son of François Pignon and Quentin de Montargis, played by Depardieu, who decides to take care of his friend, played by Stéphane.
The idiots thus seem once again the object of study of the director. “I became a Licentiate in Letters since my dinners. I feel like I’m in my universe.”
Playing in a play by Francis Veber was a no-brainer for the quartet. “I wanted to take a little break from the theater but it’s hard to refuse when you have the opportunity to work with a living legend. It’s embarrassing to say this in front of him, but if Michel Legrand had absolute pitch in music, Francis has it for comedy”continues Philippe Lellouche, also a successful author on the boards.
Humor, more difficult?
A feeling shared by all the actors. “In some troupes, some stars tend to want to put themselves forward, this is not the case here. Francis harmonizes us and puts us on an equal footing, even if we are each on different registers”according to the James Bond Girl of Royal CasinoCaterina Murino.
“I didn’t think anyone would say as much good as me, smiles Francis Veber. On my report cards, I was said to be talkative, wordy and superficial.”
“It hasn’t really changed,” mischievously launches Caterina Murino.
As usual, the creator of the Cupboard is interested in certain facts of contemporary societies. Here, the takeover of certain media by industrial groups or the question of police violence. “We don’t dare to say anything about this era, which is crazy all the same. There is a kind of ridiculousness in certain postures or the way of saying things, as important as the fight is. Like the controversy over golf courses and Drought.”
Handling humor seems more difficult for the director today: “I approach these subjects very cautiously because there are thousands of “Torquemada” [nom d’un inquisiteur espagnol, ndlr]. I think the movie La Cage aux Folles, which I had adapted for the cinema, would currently be refused in the theater, even if it was re-adapted by a young author. It’s scary sometimes. »
An inspiring South
At Pradet, good humor is essential between the artists during and outside of rehearsals. “I have a house near Sainte-Maxime. The Var is for me the most beautiful department in the world and Francis has this fabulous home in Le Pradet, where he kindly welcomed us. This is what makes Stéphane happy, who has chosen the formula full board”, Philippe Lellouche room.
“I am indeed delightedanswers Stéphane Metzger. Seriously, it’s a chance to be here. Myself, I moved to Saint-Raphaël more than a year ago. I love walking around the Estérel. After living thirty years in Paris, I was fed up.”
“Here, the vibes are good, and I started a lot of projects that brought me happiness”adds Philippe Lellouche.
“We must not forget to repeat one anyway”kindly reminds Francis Veber.