Claude Lelouch explains why he never wanted to make a film with Gérard Depardieu

In the columns of FigaroClaude Lelouch spoke about the reasons which pushed him not to work with Gérard Depardieu during his long career.

Three years later Love is better than lifeClaude Lelouch makes his big return behind the camera with Eventually. This comedy-drama stars Kad Merad as Lino, a brilliant lawyer who can no longer lie following a stroke. Tired of the routine and madness of the modern world, he leaves everything behind and decides to embark on a musical road trip on the roads of France. During this unique trip which will take him to Normandy, Paris and Avignon, he will meet new people who will teach him that “ultimately” everything that happens to us is for our good. Although the director has directed many actors during his career, there is one with whom he has not yet had the opportunity to collaborate.

Claude Lelouch reveals what pushed him not to work with Gérard Depardieu

In the middle of a promotional tour for his 51st feature film, Claude Lelouch gave an interview to Figaro during which he reveals the reason why he never worked with Gérard Depardieu. “I almost produced his first film. Pierre Villemin, who was the director, came to see me after a week and said: 'I was wrong, I'm not made for directing, we're heading into trouble. So, let's stop the film. I called the actors and technicians and offered to pay them half of the film, three weeks out of the six planned. Everyone agrees, except Depardieu who tells me: 'You have money, you're going to pay me'. I replied: 'I'll pay you and we'll never work together'“. A few years ago, the filmmaker expressed his desire to work with the 75-year-old actor. “It's not too late, you know. Deep down, I would like us to make a film together. Anything is possible, as long as he's alive and so am I“, he declared with humor in the columns of the daily newspaper.

Claude Lelouch is absolutely not about to retire

Si Claude Lelouch propose Eventually as a “testament film”, the director does not intend to retire any time soon. “As long as ideas come into my head, I will continue to do this job. And, here, I have never had so many ideas. I know very well that at a given moment, at the age that I have, I can be told to stop at any time and, for the moment, the brain still works very well and above all, I continue to be amazed.he said during his visit to the Venice Film Festival. Valérie Perrin's husband is even considering a sequel to his feature film which stars Kad Merad and Elsa Zylberstein.

Article written in collaboration with 6Médias