Emmanuel Mourret had a “love at first sight” for Camélia Jordana when he made “The things we say, the things we do”. For this film, the actress was nominated for the César for Best Actress.
The things we say, the things we do : charm in infidelity
There is at Emmanuel Mouret a real charm in his approach to vaudeville. A certain fantasy that emerges from romantic relationships for the less rich that the director likes to stage. This wind of freshness, he obtains it by a mastered writing. But also performers from whom he always draws the best to embody characters one of whose particularities is to say aloud what they feel.
We saw it again in the excellent Chronicle of a temporary liaison (theatrical release on September 14, 2022, see our opinion) perfectly worn by Sandrine Kiberlain and Vincent Macaigne. Before that, the filmmaker multiplied the protagonists with the equally pleasant The things we say, the things we do (2020). A more melancholy filmwhich deals with love through a multitude of infidelities without being restricted by moral rigor (see our review).
The film begins with Daphne, three months pregnant, and on vacation in the countryside with her companion François. Except that the latter must leave and then leaves her there so that she can welcome his cousin Max.
This is the first time she has met him. But quickly both go confide in their love stories. On the one hand, there is the meeting of Daphne and François, while he was still married. On the other, the love triangle between Maxime, Sandra and Gaspard. And much more…
A “love at first sight” for Camélia Jordana
The things we say, the things we do still owes a lot to its cast. Vincent Macaigne is true to himself in the role of François, while Niels Schneider exudes mad charm in that of Maxime, but Jenna Thiam, Guillaume Gouix, Julia Piaton and Émilie Dequenne are not left out.
Finally, there is obviously Camellia Jordana who gently interprets Daphne. Discovered as a singer, the latter is also now a confirmed actress. As she first appeared on the big screen in 2013 with The Stroller Strategyit was in 2018 that she obtained recognition with her César for best female hope for The Brio.
Even if he knew her little, Emmanuel Mouret did not hesitate to hire Camélia Jordana to The things we say, the things we do. This is what he reveals in the film’s press kit admitting to having a real “love at first sight” for her seeing a test she was taking for another film.
From our first meeting, she understood everything and so quickly that I was overwhelmed. I could see that her natural temperament was not that of the character, I had immense pleasure in watching her play. She was the first person I said yes to and the distribution was done around her.
The presence of the actress was therefore decisive for the rest of the cast. And Emmanuel Mouret was obviously not mistaken in his choice. Camélia Jordana was indeed nominated for the César for best actress in 2021. This time, she was not rewarded. Unlike his playmate Émilie Dequenne left with the César for Best Supporting Actress. Unique award at the César for the film yet nominated thirteen times.
