When do you enjoy filming the most?
François Civil: I like when there are ways to interpret things. With « No waves”, I’m being served on a silver platter. The emotions are diverse, communicated through looks, among other things. It’s also fun to play D’Artagnan, but there, I really enjoy watching the film after editing. I think that it is incredible to have participated in so much action like that.
And the stunts?
F.C.: What I worry about, in a sword fighting scene, for example, is not blinding anyone…
Do you have a particular affinity with the subject matter of « No Waves »?
F.C.: Yes, my parents are teachers. I defined myself kind of despite school. I was not a brilliant student. But the idea of the professor finding himself at the heart of a harassment case speaks to a lot of people.
Do you prefer movies in jeans or in suits?
F.C.: Sometimes we see period costumes as an obstacle. We have to wear clothes that we are not used to wearing, we have to move differently with a cape and big boots. It is an interesting exercise as an actor. But to be honest, in my opinion, the less artifice, the better. Happiness is about alternating genres, moving from D’Artagnan to the suburban high school teacher, I love it. It is a privilege to be believable in very different styles, from blockbusters to low-budget arthouse films. The stakes are not the same, but there is pressure in both cases.
Which directors do you dream of working with?
F.C.: Justine Triet, Paul Thomas Anderson, Jonathan Glazer and Jeanne Herry.
Is there a historical character you would like to portray?
F.C.: No.
A president? Macron, you could…
F.C.: No, too young. We can talk about it again in a few years. Actually, how old was Macron when he was elected?
38 years old. What is the biggest luxury for an actor?
F.C.: The one I am currently living, playing roles that are offered to me. No longer needing to go to auditions. From 14 to 24 years old, I did that a lot.
What are your little daily joys?
F.C.: Riding my bike in Paris at sunset. Crossing the Sully bridge… I grew up around the Bastille.
How do you escape between two film sets?
F.C.: I go rock-climbing with friends near Fontainebleau. It’s really a passion of mine. And I am at peace in those moments. Now that I am recognized in the street, it is not easy for me to relax while walking around Paris. I am not very comfortable with social interactions.
Are you being harassed by fans?
F.C.: No, no, nothing like that. People want to talk to me about my movies, it’s always kind. I am not Justin Bieber!
What’s your ideal shopping experience?
F.C.: I don’t like shopping. And that’s good because in our profession, they give us a lot of clothes. On the other hand, I enjoy buying certain items that match my interests. A beautiful go board, I would like that. Sometimes, I look at musical instruments or old cameras. I have a small collection.
Time or money, which do you choose?
F.C.: Good Health. Time and money are of no use if you’re sick. With good health, you can live a happy life.
When do you think you will have reached the peak of your career?
F.C.: When you see the summit, you know the descent is coming soon thereafter. And I know summits: I’m a rock-climber. A career is not a mountain, it’s a path.
Interview conducted by Yves Derai, available in issue 7 of OniriQ Magazine
Artistic Direction: Sylvain Galy
Production: Thomas Heisser
Photography: Ulysse Carbajal
Styling: Meggysab
Makeup artist: Stéphanie Orillard
Special Thanks to the Hôtel Peninsula
