Despite thirty years of cinema, an energy of will-o'-the-wisp, an obvious sensitivity and charm, Géraldine Pailhas had never been the heroine of a romantic comedy. It's done thanks to her husband, director Christopher Thompson. In
Tendre et saignant,
he imagines her as a fashion editor converted into a butcher's shop, and seduced by one of her craftsmen (charming Arnaud Ducret). She sparkles there, as credible behind the chopping block as on the
front rows.
Her romantic director will soon co-direct her with her mother, Danièle Thompson, in a France 2 series, where the actress will play the mother of Brigitte Bardot.
Miss Figaro.
- Did Christopher Thompson offer you
Tender and bloody
from the start?
Geraldine Pailhas.
- No, because he never writes for a specific actor.
After
Bus Palladium,
where I had a supporting role, I loved becoming his main contact on this film: the uninterrupted conversation that we have always had on cinema has found a new playground. Perhaps I influenced his writing: if I believe what people tell me, there is something about me in the character.
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What for example ?
Charly, the heroine, has a dry and quick way of saying things.
It's not a lack of consideration, it's her rhythm, she can also be very tender.
It's one of the things that can belong to me, even if I think I'm a little more caring.
Are you also the daughter of an artisan?
My father was a carpenter.
He wanted boys, like Charly's father, who preferred to put knives in his hands rather than Barbies.
I too wanted to be a boy to please daddy.
It left a mark on me: I am rich in both masculine and feminine.
I too wanted to be a boy to please daddy
What did Christopher see in you that other directors hadn't
exploited?
A comical temperament and physical energy.
There's also something of a statement about the way Christopher watches me love in movies.
It's a part of me that he knows better than anyone.
Few romantic comedies choose a 45-year-old heroine…
I'm obviously sensitive to that, all the more delighted since this portrait of a woman was written by two men… and not under my tutelage.
Christopher and Fabrice Roger-Lacan are not afraid of women, and did not have the hypocrisy to want to tell those who could possibly make them believe that youth is eternal.
They told about women their age, whom they know.
Camille Seydoux, Géraldine Pailhas, Daphné Roulier… Their beauty tips for the summer
Repairman
Piana Colonia, Hair & Body Gel, Casanera.
Photo Casanera
moisturizing
Hydra-Essentiel, Thirst-quenching Sorbet Gel, Clarins.
Photo DP Clarins
Nourishing
Prodigious Oil, Nuxe.
Photo DP Nuxe
soothing
Posthelios, After Sun, La Roche-Posay.
Photo DP La Roche-Posay
antioxidant
Sun Creme
Costs
Calming
Natural
Brilliant
See the slideshow
10 pictures
The film navigates between two worlds, butchery and fashion.
How to make them believable?
By anchoring the story in reality.
With the help of artistic director Virginie Viard, we were able, for example, to film at the Chanel 2020 haute couture show. The butcher Hugo Desnoyer opened the doors of his workshop to us.
We wanted to show craftsmen who bring their craft to a level of excellence, to echo the growing need to know what we consume, on our plate as well as in our wardrobe.
Listen: the editorial staff podcast
A word on season 2 of
OVNI(s),
in which you will be on Canal+ in February?
My character's responsibilities increase, but his credibility takes a hit because of men who won't give up.
Season 2 dares to go even further in madness and audacity, and its conclusion is so crazy that I would be very frustrated if there was no sequel!
Tender and bloody,
by Christopher Thompson, with Géraldine Pailhas, Arnaud Ducret…
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