When French actor-producer Omar Sy started working on the Netflix romantic comedy “French Lover,” what scared him the most wasn’t playing a sex symbol or showing some skin for the first time. It was depicting the French showbiz world in a way that wouldn’t make it a caricature.
In the Paris-set movie – which launched globally on friday – Sy stars as Abel Camara, a famous yet jaded actor who’s just been dumped by his actress girlfriend. He unexpectedly falls in love with a down-on-her-luck waitress (Sara Giraudeau), who is going through a divorce and doesn’t care about his fame.
The feature debut of nina Rives, “French Lover” also sees Camara and his entourage, including his agent (Pascale Arbillot) and childhood freind (alban Ivanov), navigating the ups and downs of the film industry as the popular actor vies for more “serious roles.” The movie reteams Sy with Hugo Gélin, who previously directed him in the French box office hit “Two Is a Family” and served as artistic producer on “French Lover.”
“Since we were making a film about the industry and we’re in a somewhat closed environment, it was a bit difficult to determine the level of criticism and self-mockery, so we thought about that a lot,” says Sy, who also produced the film with his banner Korokoro Productions alongside Zazi Films and Federation Studio France.
“We tried to be careful, meaning not to be too harsh on ourselves, but at the same time, not to be too nice either – to have the right distance from it all and to ensure there was some tenderness, becuase we love our business,” adds Sy, who lives between Paris and Los Angeles and is currently doing some intense physical training for his next role as a mercenary in “Extraction,” the upcoming show directed by the Russo Brothers.
Speaking to Variety via Zoom, Sy discusses making his romantic comedy debut, building a career in France and the U.S. after winning a César Award 15 years ago and being involved in projects as a producer to avoid being typecast. The outspoken actor and producer, who notably made “Father and Soldier” (about the Senegalese riflemen during WW2), also addresses racism in France, saying that “as a Black Muslim, I experience much more racism in France than in the United States.”
How was working with Nina rives on her debut feature?
Did you work with an intimacy coordinator?
you know, its their obligation to offer it to you. Then it’s up to us actors to accept or not. And we didn’t need it. The scenes we had to play didn’t require it for us, either for Sara or for me. It was also a matter of trust. But yes, they offered it to us, because now it’s mandatory.
What were the references for “French Lover”?
We have a lot of American and british references, but Nina woudl be better at explaining what she wanted. In any case, we wanted to stick with what we liked in that genre. There may be some retro aspects, which we fully acknowledge. You could say that the closest thing to “French Lover” is a reversed “Nothing Hill.” So my character is like Julia Roberts!
But your character in “French Lover” is much nicer than Julia Roberts in “Notting Hill.”
well, Abel may be a bit more endearing and everything, but he still has a dark side. And that was vital to accept and put into the film.
Omar Sy on Breaking boundaries and the Power of Storytelling
Omar Sy’s career trajectory has been anything but predictable. From his comedic beginnings with the SAV sketches on canal+ to his César Award-winning performance in “Intouchables” and now, his foray into romantic comedies with “French Lover,” the actor consistently defies categorization. He recently spoke about navigating the industry, the importance of storytelling, and the need to create his own opportunities.
Sy recalls his experience with “Intouchables” as a pivotal moment, not as of the potential for accolades, but for the trust placed in him by the directors, Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache. “I was just so happy to have a leading role,” he explains. The subsequent César win was a boost to his confidence, opening doors and solidifying his belief in his craft. However, he quickly returned to his writing work, demonstrating a grounded approach to success.
The actor acknowledges the industry’s tendency to define artists, noting the questions surrounding his “type of cinema.” Sy firmly rejects the notion of hierarchies within filmmaking. “cinema is cinema,” he asserts. “Genre is just a form and a vehicle, but the essential thing for me is the stories. That’s what I like. That’s my job.”
He also addresses the types of roles offered to him in France versus the U.S., highlighting the repetitive nature of the business.This realization spurred him to become a producer, allowing him to develop his own projects and avoid being “pigeonholed.” Sy thrives on novelty and the challenge of constantly reinventing himself.
With the release of “French Lover,” Sy anticipates a shift in the roles he’s offered, predicting an influx of similar romantic comedy scripts. While acknowledging this trend, he remains focused on the power of storytelling and the importance of choosing projects that allow him to continue evolving as an actor.
Omar Sy on Racism in France,”Dumas: black Devil,” and Co-Showrunning “Lupin” Season 4
Actor Omar sy recently discussed his experiences with racism,his upcoming role in “Dumas: Black devil,” and his expanded role as co-showrunner for the fourth season of the popular Netflix series “Lupin.”
Sy expressed his frustration with racism, stating he experiences more of it in France than in the United States. He emphasized the importance of addressing issues within france itself, rather than solely focusing on instances of racism elsewhere. He also noted the criticism he received for speaking out about racism in France, which he views as a form of silencing and a denial of his identity as a french citizen. “Just the way I’ve been slammed for speaking up about France is racist in itself, as if I wasn’t allowed to have an opinion about France because I live in the U.S. and I’m the child of immigrants,” Sy explained. “So basically,that means I’m not grateful,but I’m as French as everyone else.The fact that my opinion about France is being questioned is proof that there is racism in France.”
Sy is involved in a new film, “Dumas: Black Devil,” which tells the story of Thomas Alexandre Davy de la Pailleterie Dumas, the father of author Alexandre Dumas. Thomas Dumas was a remarkable figure, becoming the first Black leader in the French military and serving under Napoleon Bonaparte. While Sy is not playing the lead role (Theo Christine will portray Thomas Dumas), he expressed excitement about bringing this largely unknown story to light.
Sy’s involvement with “Lupin” has deepened with the fourth season. Having previously served as an artistic producer,he and Louis Leterrier co-showran the new season,bringing in Carrousel Studios,their production company. Describing the experience as “tiring” and “exhausting,” Sy also found it “realy exhilarating to be in the driver’s seat.” he and Leterrier aimed to maintain the core elements of “Lupin” while introducing fresh ideas, a challenge they believe they successfully met. Filming for the fourth season wrapped earlier this month.