French actress Noémie Merlant was one of last guests to stop by the Deadline Studio in Cannes this year to discuss her role in Bertrand Mandico’s zany comedy-drama Roma Elastica, opposite Marion Cotillard.
Oscar-winner Cotillard stars as jaded star Eddie who heads to Rome for what may be her final role, with Merlant lending support as her “hairdresser, friend and bodyguard” Valentina. Fiercely protect of Eddie, Valentina even goes as far as to bite a Vogue Italian journalist who pesters her friend in one scene.
“I never bite anyone. It was the first time… I also had in that scene to eat 10 magnums… I love magnums, but 10,” said Merlant who explained she was drawn to the project for Mandico’s fantastical storylines and aesthetics.
Another plus, was reuniting with Cotillard on set after they previously worked together on biopic Lee, starring Kate Winslet as the photographer Lee Miller.
“We stayed like 15 days together in Croatia, having dinner and talking about life, so we got closer at that time… when we found out that we were shooting this movie together, we were very, very happy,” said Merlant.
“It’s unbelievable to have the chance to work with her, and to see how free she is on set, how she builds a character… my role is in love with the artist, and completely devoted to her, so it was kind of easy to do for me, because I’m the same with Marion, I’m like, wow.”
Merlant, who is best known internationally for her roles in films such as Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Tár and Emmanuelle, will next be seen in Fred Cavayé’s Les Misérables and Arnaud Desplechin’s The Thing That Hurts.
She is also working on her third feature project as director after The Balconettes and Mi iubita, mon amour.
“I finished writing something and I’m starting to try to find some money to do it. It’s an adaptation of Notre Dame de Paris, but I focus on the Esmeralda character and her mother.”
To see the full conversation, click on the video above.
The Deadline Studio at Cannes is sponsored by SCAD.
