INTERVIEW

At 74, he still stands tall and vigorous. Despite a long day of interviews, Gérard Jugnot is approachable and friendly. There is a noticeable eagerness in him, a pleasure in talking about the filming of “Mauvaise Pioche” (in theaters). A comedy, of course. More than an art, it is a philosophy that allows him to take a witty, clear, and fairly accurate look at social or current events. In his thirteenth film, he revisits a news story from 2019 – when a man was mistaken for Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès and held in custody for twenty-six hours – and the media frenzy that ensued. A touching film with a biting irony. Gala gets criticized in the process. Not holding grudges, we wanted to give Gérard Jugnot a chance to speak. It’s not every day you meet a pillar of the Splendid troupe.

GALA: In the film, a journalist is threatened to be sent to Gala if she does her job poorly. Do you not hold our magazine in high esteem? GÉRARD JUGNOT: I did not write that line, Fred Hazan did. I’ll give you his address. [Laughs.] When making a quip that remains gentle, it’s better to refer to something well-known. It’s a homage to your journal that is kind to artists, with no traps set.

GALA: Is everything going well for you beyond this wink, “Mauvaise Pioche” criticizes journalism in general, especially 24-hour news channels? G. J.: Yes, it’s critical. The film starts from an absurd news story and portrays the media hype, the chase for scoops, the need to always be faster than others, without respecting anything. At one point, there’s even this line: “And ethics? No swear words!”

GALA: Once again, you start from a current event or social issue to turn it into a comedy? G. J.: My films are like dark chocolate bars, with hazelnuts to sweeten the bitterness. Truffaut said a terrible thing: “If I had loved life, I would never have made movies.”

These are just snippets of the full article. Visit Gala for the complete interview with Gérard Jugnot.