Director’s Starry Cling
- Jean-Marie Poiré, a cornerstone of French comedy for over four decades, known for directing classics such as "Santa Claus is a Junk" and "grandpa Makes Resistance," recounts a...
- "The Visitors," released in 1993, became a cultural phenomenon, drawing 13.7 million viewers and cementing it's place as a quintessential French comedy.The film is still quoted extensively more...
- According to Poiré, Luchini, already an established actor, aggressively pursued the role of Jean-pierre, the dentist father, eventually played by Christian Bujeau.
Luchini’s Unexpected Audition for ‘The Visitors‘ Revealed
Table of Contents
- Luchini’s Unexpected Audition for ‘The Visitors’ Revealed
- Luchini’s Unexpected Audition for ‘the Visitors’: A Q&A
- What’s the story behind Fabrice Luchini’s attempt to get a role in “the Visitors?”
- What is “The Visitors,” and why is it notable?
- What role was Fabrice Luchini interested in?
- How did Luchini approach Jean-Marie Poiré about the role?
- Describe Luchini’s impromptu audition.
- What was Poiré’s reaction to Luchini’s audition?
- Why didn’t Luchini get the part?
- What was Poiré’s response to Luchini’s salary demands?
- Why couldn’t poiré meet Luchini’s salary demands?
- Did Luchini attempt to negotiate using other projects?
- What was the final outcome of the negotiations?
- Key Takeaways: Fabrice Luchini and “The visitors”
Jean-Marie Poiré, a cornerstone of French comedy for over four decades, known for directing classics such as “Santa Claus is a Junk” and “grandpa Makes Resistance,” recounts a surprising anecdote in his 2024 memoir, “Laugh is a Party.” The story involves actor Fabrice Luchini’s intense interest in a role in Poiré’s blockbuster hit, ”The Visitors.”
“The Visitors,” released in 1993, became a cultural phenomenon, drawing 13.7 million viewers and cementing it’s place as a quintessential French comedy.The film is still quoted extensively more than 30 years after its release.
Luchini’s Pursuit of the Dentist Role
According to Poiré, Luchini, already an established actor, aggressively pursued the role of Jean-pierre, the dentist father, eventually played by Christian Bujeau. While Luchini was known for roles dramatically different from the comedic tone of “The Visitors,” he saw something special in the script.
Poiré recalls Luchini’s unconventional approach: “I was still in the middle of casting when he phoned me. After pleasantries,he said,’I did something that is not done,but I couldn’t resist. Your script was hanging on my agent’s desk,and while waiting,I read it… it’s very funny! I loved the role of the dentist. Do you already have someone in mind?’ I replied, ‘not yet!’ He said, ‘It’s for me.'”
An Unforgettable Impromptu Audition
To demonstrate his commitment, Luchini invited Poiré to lunch and, mid-meal, launched into an impromptu performance. ”Suddenly, in the middle of a dish, he played a scene from the film,” Poiré recounts. “It was brutal and incredible. I took ten seconds to realise… He had learned the script by heart.”
Poiré was astounded by Luchini’s dedication. ”Not only the role of the dentist, but also that of all the other actors, Godefroy, Jacquouille, and even Béatrice. He was good in all roles, playing Béatrice to perfection, like that of the dentist. He was sensational. Sober and great humor. He is a born actor. I was stunned. I said to him: ‘It’s good, you are committed.'”
Salary Demands Stall the deal
However, salary negotiations proved to be a sticking point. A few days later, Luchini, reportedly dismayed by the proposed compensation, demanded the same salary as Jean Reno and Christian Clavier. Poiré quipped,”The two together or separately?” luchini replied,”Separately,of course,” adding,”When we talk about money,he loses his humor.”
Poiré explained his position: “I would be delighted that you have the role, but in no case do you have this commercial value… The deal is completed with the TVs and Canal+. If I tell them that you are in the film, I am ready to take the bet that they will not give me one kopeck more.”
Luchini attempted to leverage his upcoming role in alain Delon’s “Casanova’s Return” to bolster his salary demands. Poiré responded, “Ah! And you are paid the same sum as him?” Ultimately, Poiré concluded, “I’m going to call your agent and talk about money with him, but already, I think we will not arrive at something that can satisfy you… Sometimes you have to know not to be too rigid in business.”
Luchini’s Unexpected Audition for ‘the Visitors’: A Q&A
What’s the story behind Fabrice Luchini’s attempt to get a role in “the Visitors?”
The story of Fabrice Luchini’s audition for “The Visitors” is recounted in director Jean-Marie Poiré’s 2024 memoir, “Laugh is a Party.” poiré, a notable figure in French comedy, shares a surprising anecdote regarding Luchini’s strong interest in the film.
What is “The Visitors,” and why is it notable?
“The Visitors,” released in 1993, is a beloved French comedy directed by Jean-Marie Poiré. It’s a cultural phenomenon that drew 13.7 million viewers upon it’s release and continues to be widely quoted over 30 years later.
What role was Fabrice Luchini interested in?
Fabrice Luchini aggressively pursued the role of Jean-Pierre, the dentist father, in “The Visitors.” This role was eventually played by Christian Bujeau.
How did Luchini approach Jean-Marie Poiré about the role?
Luchini took an unconventional approach, as recalled by Poiré.Luchini, having read the script while it was with his agent, called Poiré proactively: ”I did something that is not done, but I couldn’t resist.”
Describe Luchini’s impromptu audition.
To demonstrate his commitment, luchini invited Poiré to lunch and gave an impromptu audition mid-meal. Poiré recounts luchini “playing a scene from the film,” showcasing his dedication by having learned the script by heart. He was good on not only the role of the dentist, but of all the other actors.
What was Poiré’s reaction to Luchini’s audition?
Poiré was deeply impressed by Luchini’s performance. He was “stunned” by Luchini’s ability to embody various roles, including Béatrice, and noted his “sober and great humor.” Poiré concluded, “It’s good, you are committed.”
Why didn’t Luchini get the part?
Salary negotiations stalled the deal. Luchini demanded the same salary as Jean Reno and Christian Clavier.
What was Poiré’s response to Luchini’s salary demands?
Poiré explained that Luchini did not have the same commercial value as Reno and clavier, and that the deal was dependent on the film’s agreements with TV and Canal+.
Why couldn’t poiré meet Luchini’s salary demands?
Poiré was constrained by the financial arrangements already in place for the film. He believed that Luchini’s presence wouldn’t increase the film’s value enough to satisfy his salary demands.
Did Luchini attempt to negotiate using other projects?
Yes, Luchini mentioned his upcoming role in alain Delon’s “Casanova’s Return” to bolster his salary demands.
What was the final outcome of the negotiations?
Poiré ultimately concluded that he wouldn’t be able to meet Luchini’s financial expectations. He acknowledged that in business, sometimes one must be flexible.
Key Takeaways: Fabrice Luchini and “The visitors”
Here’s a summary table of the key points:
| Actor | Role Pursued | Method | Outcome | Reason for Failure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabrice Luchini | jean-Pierre (Dentist) | Impromptu Audition at Lunch | Did Not Get the Role | Salary Disagreement |