Legendary French Actress Audrey Tautou attended a special screening of her latest film Mood Indigo.
Tuesday evening marked the New York premiere of Michel Gondry’s latest film, “Mood Indigo,” hosted by Drafthouse Films at the Tribeca Grand Hotel. The intimate gathering included Zosia Mamet, Julie Taymor, Dana Delany, Max Lugavere, and Arden Wohl. There to introduce the film alongside Gondry was the leading lady herself, acclaimed French actress Audrey Tautou. A fabulous party followed at Willow Road.
Before the screening, we had a chance to speak one-on-one with both Michel Gondry and Audrey Tautou; check out the exclusive interviews below!
The original Boris Vian novel has two other previous film adaptations. Why do you think the story deserves another retelling?
GONDRY: It’s a very touching story, and it’s been beloved by all the generations since the 60’s to now. And my son discovered the book in his teens, so it’s a very strong attachment to the story. I think it’s normal that several directors tried to adapt it to the screen.
What is it like for you writing a film in English and working with English-speaking actors, like in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” as opposed to writing a film in French and working with French actors?
GONDRY: I don’t see much difference. There is a different way of working, and maybe the actor in America has more power or is more demanding of the director, and the director in France has more power. It’s a little different, but it’s very close.
Your character, Chloe, is grappling with a terminal illness in the film. How did you explore that as an actor? How did you come to terms with that reality?
TAUTOU: Well, I tried not to think a lot about it because it starts to stress me! But, you know, the sickness is a metaphor also, so I tried to get myself into the spirit of the flower that grows up inside her and through her lungs. But you know, for me I was not in the idea of thinking about the end.
You’ve worked with Romain Duris several times on other films. What is it like to work with an actor over and over, and create a new relationship each time?
TAUTOU: The thing is that, on the two previous movies I’ve done with Romain, we had a great relationship, but I was not there the whole movie—just a few days. We were friends and close. I really felt that the first movie that we really had time to really really act together and know more about each other. And it’s something wonderful, first because he is a really great actor, but also because he’s a very generous person. So it’s great because you are in confidence and you are relaxed, so it was great.
The film is now playing in New York at Landmark Sunshine. You can read our review here.
-Brigid Ronan
