Match in Paris. your new movie The little blonde from the Casbah, brings back moments of happiness, laughter and tears from childhood. What are your notable memories before you entered the cinema My father this hero ?
Marie Gillain. My childhood was privileged and very preserved. I lived on a big farm, in the heart of nature. I went to elementary school a block from my backyard. Mom opened a creative workshop for all the children in the village. On Wednesday, we did a play in the attic at home. We painted, told stories… Those years were quite artistic, open to imagination. The moment when we think our world will stop at the end of the garden.
Have you ever dreamed of a cinema?
I didn’t go there much as a kid, but I did watch episodes Pippi Longstocking on the TV. He was the first character that made me dream. When I saw her, I envied her independence. There was too Dragon Elliott, also featuring the character of a little girl who takes charge of her own life. My mom used to play me movies like Quebec Hat War. It fueled my desire to take up this profession. My first memory of watching was a Spielberg film, And a foreigner. A spectacular feature film about childhood and difference. Children have this ability to welcome strangeness in a much easier way than adults. There was too Stand by me, a big shock for me. Later I discovered the cinema of Romy Schneider, Gena Rowlands…
How do you see the development of Belgian actresses in the world of cinema?
It’s like the conquest of America: a great success. They are very rich personalities. Our strength is our own identity. Fundamentally, I think we belong to a different culture than France. Belgian culture is quite a mixture of many different influences. Both in humor and in poetry, literature, comics… This is what makes Belgian comedians so rich. There is always this little form of self-deprecation and poetry that allows us to assert our difference from the French, even though we are neighbors.
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You wonderfully embody the whole range of feelings on screen. To whom do you owe this talent?
Quite frankly, I don’t have an answer. I’ve always had this interest in people. A form of empathy and curiosity. I’m still very interested in how they work. Psychology, contradictions. That’s why I love this job from the ground up. I need to feel connected to human vulnerability.
If you didn’t become an actress, what costume would you wear?
As a child I wanted to be a majorette. It’s not really a job with the future anymore (laughs)! It’s even been lost these days… Maybe I’d be interested in working in the world of therapy. There you have it: the cheerleading therapist (bursts out laughing)!
You are a cute and protective mother in the film. Is it the same with your own children?
Yes, I think I have that in common with all mothers. This maternal and maternal care, this desire to feel that my children are well… To bring them softness. Prepare delicious meals for them. Sweets in the morning.
You are very discreet in your private life. However, you recently posted a photo of your daughter Dune on your Instagram account…
I’ve always been very careful because I suppose it’s up to my daughters if they want to bare themselves on social media. I don’t have to do it without their consent. My oldest is an adult, so the relationship is different. But it is very important for me to keep my privacy.
You don’t feel the need to use social media…
Exactly! I don’t need to go through this to express my affection, although it is very tempting. We often want to share our happiness. It’s human, but I’ve always banned it when I feel like it’s more about ego gratification in the end.
Her News: “My Tribute to Everyday Heroines”
For her return to the screens, Marie Gillain is the heroine The little blonde from the CasbahAlexandre Arcady, also with Christian Berkel, Pascal Elbé, Jean Benguigui, Dany Brillant and Léo Campion. “When I first met Alexander Arcady, he quickly asked me to play his mother. I was a bit intrigued that he offered me a role of this magnitude.”explains Liégeoise. “But after I read the script, I was completely enchanted, even very moved. Not only by the writing, but by the accuracy of all these memories. It’s a very sensual and tender film. Playing Dinah is a very beautiful tribute to all the women of that time. They were everyday heroines. Despite their condition as stay-at-home mothers, as housewives who do everything—3,800 meals a year for Alexander Arcady’s mother!—they devoted their lives to their husbands and children. This film reminds us of their grit and strength of character.”