Harvey Weinstein Rejected in New York
- GENEVA – A new film daringly tackles the subject of assisted suicide with a comedic touch, set against the backdrop of Geneva.
- Lemercier and Améris recently discussed the film,highlighting the dynamic between the characters.
- Lemercier portrays Victoire, a character she describes as "borderline, hungry" for life.
Valérie Lemercier and Gérard Darmon Star in end-of-Life Comedy, ’Do We Love Alive’
GENEVA – A new film daringly tackles the subject of assisted suicide with a comedic touch, set against the backdrop of Geneva. “Do We Love Alive,” directed by Jean-Pierre Améris,stars Valérie Lemercier and Gérard Darmon in a story that finds humor and joy in unexpected places.
An Unlikely Duo Finds Life in Disobedience
Lemercier and Améris recently discussed the film,highlighting the dynamic between the characters. The film centers on an improbable connection that reignites a zest for life, and perhaps, a little rule-breaking.
Lemercier portrays Victoire, a character she describes as “borderline, hungry” for life. “She has gone through very hard moments, so now, everything is delightful. The slightest breath of wind gives her joy,” Lemercier said. Victoire lives by a unique motto: “Make one illegal thing per day.” This doesn’t necessarily mean committing felonies, but rather, saying what others might avoid.”This is what we can sometimes do on stage,” she added.
Victoire’s vibrant personality clashes with Antoine Toussaint,played by Darmon,a renowned singer who travels to Switzerland seeking to end his life. Geneva becomes the stage for a race against time and an unlikely bond between two seemingly opposite individuals.
Geneva: A City of Light and Color
The choice to film in Geneva was deliberate. “I felt good; it was a small parenthesis, a shooting abroad that seduced me,” Lemercier said. Améris added, “It is true that we rarely film Geneva like that. We wanted to show its light, its colors, its beauty.”
Filmed under the August sun, the movie captures Geneva in bright, cheerful tones. “I wanted everything around this character who no longer sees the beauty of the world to be bright. And thanks to Victoire, he rediscovers it,” Améris explained.
Finding Humor in Seriousness
Despite the sensitive subject matter, “Do We Love Alive” maintains a comedic tone. “Laughter is the best therapy,” Améris said. The film follows in the tradition of French character comedies, where contrasting personalities meet, clash, and ultimately find affection for each other. Améris noted that Édouard Molinaro’s “La Cage aux Folles” served as an inspiration.
Lemercier emphasized the importance of sincerity in comedy. “Laughter is born from excessive sincerity. You have to be fully, in the first degree in your character. You cannot be in calculation or distance.” Speaking about Darmon’s portrayal of Antoine Toussaint, she said, “I believe it. I think he is known. I think he is this star.”
The film’s strength lies in its writing, co-authored by Marion Michau. “Do We Love Alive” balances sharp dialog, absurd situations, and genuine emotion. ”She pulls towards the comic.I go to emotion more. Together, we balance all that,” Améris said.
A Reflection on Connection and Presence
Ultimately, “Do We Love Alive” explores themes of connection, presence, and the importance of human interaction. It also touches on the need to let go. ”I started to worry about the passage of time, not to be able to do my job anymore. This film was born from that. But it also shows that you can exist for yourself, not only for what you produce,” Améris said.
In a nod to modern life, a wedding scene features extras filming with their smartphones. “Today, everyone films everything. It’s life,” Améris observed.
Lemercier embraces this constant attention. “in the street, if I am asked for a photo, I say yes. Even if I will look for my leeks, even if I am not made up. It is life.”
“Do We Love Alive” reminds viewers to cherish the present moment, as everything is fleeting.
Associated press contributed to this report.
“Do We Love alive”: A Q&A About the New French Comedy
are you curious about the new French film “Do We Love Alive”? This article dives into the heartwarming story of an unlikely connection, exploring the themes of life, connection, and finding joy in unexpected places. Let’s explore.
What is “Do We Love Alive” about?
“Do We love Alive” is a new film that tackles the sensitive topic of assisted suicide with a comedic approach. The story unfolds in Geneva and centers around an improbable bond between two characters: Victoire, a woman with a zest for life, and antoine Toussaint, a renowned singer seeking to end his life.
Who stars in “Do we Love Alive”?
The film stars Valérie Lemercier and Gérard Darmon.
What role does Valérie Lemercier play?
Valérie Lemercier plays Victoire, a character Lemercier describes as “borderline, hungry” for life. Victoire, who has experienced hardship, now finds joy in everything. She lives by the motto, “Make one illegal thing per day.”
What is Gérard Darmon’s role in the film?
Gérard Darmon plays Antoine Toussaint, a singer who travels to Geneva with the intention of ending his life.
Where was “Do We Love Alive” filmed?
The film was shot in Geneva, Switzerland.
Why was Geneva chosen as the setting for the film?
According to Valérie Lemercier,filming in Geneva was a welcome “shooting abroad.” Director Jean-Pierre Améris wanted to showcase Geneva’s light, colors, and beauty, something he felt was rarely captured on film.
What is the film’s tone?
Despite dealing with a sensitive subject, “do We Love Alive” maintains a comedic tone. The film follows the tradition of French character comedies, where contrasting personalities meet and develop affection for each othre.
How does the film balance comedy and a serious subject?
The film’s director, Jean-Pierre Améris, believes “laughter is the best therapy.” The film is rooted in sincerity.
Who directed “Do We Love Alive”?
The film was directed by Jean-Pierre Améris.
What are the key themes explored in “do We Love Alive”?
The film explores themes of:
Connection
Presence
Human interaction
Letting go
* Cherishing the present moment
what inspired “Do we Love Alive”?
jean-Pierre Améris started to worry about the passage of time and his ability to continue working. This concern formed the basis for the film.
Is “Do we Love Alive” a faithful adaptation of a story?
The movie’s writing is co-authored by Marion Michau. The film uses sharp dialog, absurd situations, and genuine emotion.
Is there a trailer for “Do We Love Alive”?
Yes, you can watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeW5mvpnTIM
In what tradition of French cinema does “Do We Love Alive” fall?
It follows the tradition of French character comedies. Édouard Molinaro’s “La cage aux Folles” served as inspiration.
Key takeaways of the film
Here’s a summary of the film’s essence:
| Feature | Description |
| ————– | ——————————————————————————- |
| Genre | Comedy-Drama |
| Setting | Geneva,Switzerland |
| Main Actors | Valérie Lemercier,Gérard Darmon |
| Themes | Friendship,assisted suicide,aging,cherishing life |
| Director | Jean-Pierre Améris |
| Tone | Humorous and heartfelt |
| Inspiration| “La Cage aux Folles”,French character comedies,Améris’s personal reflections |