The comedy taps into the actress real-life complex reality of being the daughter of cinema iconsCatherine Deneuveand Marcello Mastroianni.
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Deadline talked to Honore ahead of the world premiere.
DEADLINE:What was the starting point for this film?
Chiara Mastroianni in Marcello Mio, Christophe HonoréGetty Images
When people see Chiara, they have this sense that theyre somehow touching this myth.
She was ultimately a sort of messenger between todays world and a world that has disappeared.
I also thought it was a pretty good definition for an actresss work.
An actress is ultimately a messenger for the fictions shes been cast in by a director.
DEADLINE:How did Chiara Mastroianni react to the idea?
HONORE:I obviously asked her permission.
When I start thinking about a film, my ideas are never clear.
I remember her laughing, but I realize today she was probably a bit worried.
These actors must be protective of their private lives.
How did you get them on board for these roles?
There are very few films in the history of cinema where actors play themselves.
Some films begin with title cards saying the film is based on a real story.
The title for my film would read based on a fake story inspired by real people.
Catherine Deneuve throughout her career has been extremely vigilant about her private life.
She is very, very discreet.
Theres no sense of it taking you behind the scenes of cinema, of her life.
DEADLINE:How was it for the other actors?
HONORE:When Melvil read the screenplay.
Hes also never done Tai Chi in his life… these details are obviously made-up.
At the same there was a certain honesty… After all, these actors are playing with real emotions.
When she plays opposite Benjamin, its the father of her child… We cant forget that.
They cant forget their emotions between action and cut.
DEADLINE:Its the centenary of the birth of Marcello Mastroianni this year.
Was this in the back of your head when you wrote the film?
HONORE:I had no idea when I was writing the film.
Chiara told me later.
She said, Its good were doing this film together.
That way I wont have to go to lots offestivalsto read a text.
They can show the film.
The film isnt a tribute to Marcello Mastroianni.
Its rather a tribute to actors and actresses in general.
I dont have a fetish for Marcello Mastroianni.
If the film is a tribute to anyone, its to Chiara Mastroianni, but not her father.
His strength as an actor was that he was able to inhabit all these universes.
DEADLINE:Last year you were invited to Cambridge University for a Symposium.
I had never been there in my life.
DEADLINE:Have you ever considered making a film in English?
HONORE:Id love to work with British or American actors.
Its an adaptation of Henry James The Ambassadors which is set in Paris.
Id like to shoot in France.
I thought it was going to be my next film but its too difficult to finance.
He is the only character who is truly fictional…
HONORE:I first noticed Hugh Skinner inFleabag.
I thought to myself who doesnt interest themselves in cinema?
I thought to myself a military officer would know nothing.
Hes the only character who is pure fiction.
