Thirty-four year old Grégoire has been working as an actor since he was 12. His grandparents used to be theatre actors but, as he explained, this was not what led him on this path. In fact he had never dreamt of becoming an actor, things have simply worked out this way for him. He has acted out the most various characters in the past twenty years: a clergyman and an outlaw, innocent and criminal – his clear, precise inward transformations have seduced the public and the critics as well.
He has starred in Milcho Manchevski’s
Before Rain, Oscar-winning movie and in
Adela by Eduardo Mignogna in 2000. He was 17 when he was nominated for Cesar Award for the main role of Agnieszka Holland’s
Olivier, Olivier. Three years later he received a special mention for
Nénette and Boni by Claire Denis in Locarno. He has made five films with her so far, considering her as a highly important influence on his career. One of his most successful movies is the multiple awarded The Dreamlife of Angels by Erick Zonca which was followed by numerous offers. However, he admits to have always picked parts after his heart: even if he is aware of the imperfections of the scenario, if there is something in it that touches him, he will accept the role. He does not consider himself as a determined career builder; the most important for him is to see great possibilities in the film.
In
Cédric Anger’s picture that was shot one and a half years ago,
The Killer, he embodies the assassin in the title-role, signing his 35th film part.
The Killer is not an action movie but a psychology thriller: a successful businessman and familyman has to face his future murderer and he makes a strange deal with him. He gets a few days’ respite before he is bound to die and the film tells the story of this period of time attributing as much attention to the killer as to the victim. Grégoire has collaborated on the screenplay: for example, they elaborated the idea of the two main heros’ encounter together with the director. His favourite scene is the one in which his character meets his future love, Stella, who is acted out by Mélanie Laurent also known as the seducing young student from the movie Paris.
The festival audience will have the opportunity to see The Killer in KINO on Wednesday and meet Grégoire after the screening.
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