Prolific director and lover of his city of Marseille, Robert Guédiguian is the author of a feature-length fiction film, The Thieving Magpiewhose national release is scheduled for January 29, 2025. A preview, in the presence of the filmmaker and his favorite actress, Ariane Ascaride, is organized at the Tap, in Poitiers, on Sunday December 15.
The film follows the steps of Maria (played by Ariane Ascaride), an indebted care worker who steals small sums from the elderly people she cares for with dedication. But a complaint for abuse of weakness will turn his life and that of his loved ones upside down.
Can we say that your film is more social than political?
Robert Guédiguian : “I started from the idea that narration is stronger than information. We can describe attitudes, gestures, actions that tell us a lot of things about the world around us. I have always wanted to write about the society in which we live and I do it more and more. However, for this film, I mainly wanted to tell a story. »
In “The Thieving Magpie”, Ariane Ascaride plays Maria, a kleptomaniac caregiver.
© (Photo Agat Films & Cie)
“We could say that it’s a film about purchasing power, with these people pulling the devil by the tail, but it’s above all a film about love: the love that unites couples, the filial love… In any case, without love, there are no films and no plays. One of the greatest authors in this area is Anton Chekhov. With him, the story is completely fluid. He has no equal when it comes to suggesting moments of happiness and phases of doubt. In my films, I also try to say things differently than through dialogue, almost like in silent cinema. »
Your characters are never Manichean: each has their own bright side and their flaws…
“The world would be a much better place if people admitted that they are fallible, if they affirmed their doubts. Our world is more complex than what people want us to believe and we always learn from our mistakes. The character of Grégoire (Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet, who plays the role of Laurent) understands his father (played by Jean-Pierre Darroussin) much better at the end of the film than at the beginning, because he experiences the same things as him. In the name of our reason, we are quick to blame others, but everything is better with a little perspective and empathy. »
Once again, you enhance the city of Marseille and in particular the L’Estaque district…
“L’Estaque is the neighborhood where I was born. I have made films everywhere, even in Armenia and Africa (Twist in Bamakoreleased in 2021, was filmed in Mali), but I shoot more and more often in Marseille. Once every ten years, I return to set up my camera in L’Estaque, as if I were going to see how the world is going from there. As the saying goes: “if you want to talk to the world, talk about your village”. »
Once again, Ariane Ascaride and Jean-Pierre Darroussin are starring in a film by Robert Guédiguian.
© (Photo Agat Films & Cie)
“I’m going back to see how the forms of mutual aid, cooperation, sharing are evolving… It also allows me to take stock of my cinema, it refocuses me. When I return to L’Estaque, I am a bit like the public writer serving the people of this neighborhood. I write for them, about what happens to them. It seems to me to be an absolute necessity to be their spokesperson. »
This week, choreographer Jean-Claude Gallotta is also at the Tap, with the show “Cher cinéma”, in which he pays tribute to several filmmakers, including a certain Robert Guédiguian…
“I have known Jean-Claude Gallotta for a very long time. We worked together in 1989 or 1990, when until asked me to film some of his shows. We also produced a film inspired by one of his plays. He called me a few months ago, before starting this new piece, asking if I wouldn’t mind being quoted. Obviously, no! It’s even rather flattering. »
Have you already started preparing for the next film?
“I have been lucky enough to have been making films for several years. I always find financiers. Knock on wood! I am actually preparing a new one, which will be called A woman today. I wrote the script this summer and filming should take place in April or May 2025. It’s in the spirit of the times to talk about what women are going through today. It’s important that men take up this subject. »
Preview of “La Pie voleuse”, in the presence of Robert Guédiguian and Ariane Ascaride, Sunday December 15, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., at the Tap theater, 6 rue de la Marne, in Poitiers. Prices: from €3 to €8. tap-poitiers.com
