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P.M. Would Christian Clavier as a producer have been ready to take risks comparable to those that Jean-Pierre Guérin [the producer of "Les Misérables"] took with this movie?
C.C. Yes. To bring to life such a story destined for the whole world, including the United States, is very exciting. It is in such projects that the producer's profession finds its justification.
P.M. There is not there a risk to kill little by little the movies?
C.C. It is proven that the competition [between the two] causes emulation and greater creativity. The present multiplication of audiovisual pictures is going to provoke an increased ambition in subject matter, in inventiveness, in budgets incontestably, and in casting.
P.M. John Malkovich as Javert ...one wouldn't have bet on that in advance.
C.C. It is Gérard who convinced him to accept the role. It is interesting to know that John had
refused to play in "Les Misérables" by Bille August, but that he said yes to Josée Dayan. One can conclude that our assets are not negligible... Malkovich is a charming man and an impressive actor. He has a look... His eye transfixes you literally. To work with him is passionate. We gave ourselves some advice mutually on the pronunciation of some words. It is one of the most serene filmings that I made.
P.M. "Les Misérables" is your third movie at the side of Gérard Depardieu. How do you work together?
C.C. In a good mood. I like his take on my manner of acting. We always discuss
everything together and, in addition, this time, a theater troop understanding has truly
welded all the actors.
P.M. What does Gérard have more than the others?
C.C. A very personal talent. A great freedom that allows him to make what he wants to make and to express what he feels. He transmitted it to me. Between us, a rapport of generosity exists and not of rivalry.
P.M. What is the main thing you have in common?
C.C. The love of a good story. It is what one misses the most in current movies, American or French. As a child and teenager, I liked movies that told me stories. Between the violence and the special effects I find hardly these today.
P.M. In your interpretation of Thénardier have you revealed to yourself a new facet of your actor's potential?
C.C. Absolutely. It is a very personal viewpoint, but I think that the laughter conceals a considerable emotional capacity. When you have it, you can trigger it in others.
P.M. In what character would be able to surprise us the next time?
C.C. In Napoléon! Again Gérard's idea. I hope that John Malkovich will be part of the adventure. We've already worked on this project from the work of Max Gallo and a script by Didier Decoin. I made some tests. Believe me, it's promising! [Clavier is to play the role of Napoleon in this GD co-production.]
P.M. You don't like to speak of money, but the amounts offered by television aren't anything like those of the movies.
C.C. It is true, there is a big difference, but it is not important. Even though I've earned a lot of it, money never guided my choices. I only response to the calling of my heart.
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