Louis Garrel Reflects on Portraying Nanni Moretti's Alter Ego and Filming Intimate Scenes in 'It Will Happen Tonight'

French actor and director Louis Garrel, renowned for his role in Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Dreamers," has premiered his latest project at the Venice Film Festival. He stars in Nanni Moretti's "It Will Happen Tonight," a romantic drama vying for the prestigious Golden Lion award. Garrel takes on the character of Matteo, one half of a star-crossed couple, opposite Italian actress Jasmine Trinca. This film marks a significant collaboration for Garrel, as it's his first time working with Moretti and his debut acting role in Italian.

Garrel recently spoke with a prominent publication in Venice, offering details on what he calls the "Moretti method" on set, especially concerning his intimate scenes with Trinca, and expressing his comfort with the film being labeled an "elevated soap opera." He recounted how his initial encounters with Moretti at Sacher Cinema in Rome evolved into a professional partnership. Despite initial nerves about meeting his idol, Garrel found it easy to connect with the director. A casual conversation over coffee eventually led to an unexpected call from Moretti, inquiring about his availability and proficiency in Italian. Garrel, seizing the opportunity, agreed, leading to a screen test with Trinca and other actors in Moretti's office. The successful test, confirming their chemistry, solidified his role in the film.

During the film's production, Garrel revealed that Moretti focused less on character psychology and more on the rhythm and pacing of monologues and dialogues. Moretti, also an actor, understands the need for precise direction and maintains a distinct, stylized approach that requires actors to be somewhat detached yet connected. Garrel was surprised and flattered when Moretti referred to him as an "alter ego," a role Garrel had secretly aspired to since his teenage years, admiring Moretti's dual talent as a director and actor. Garrel even found himself imitating Moretti's rhythm and comedic timing, often asking the director to demonstrate scenes when he faced challenges with the Italian language or tone.

When asked about the film being described as an "elevated soap opera," Garrel embraced the comparison. He expressed his fondness for the genre, citing Pedro Almodóvar as a master of it. Garrel noted that the film's exploration of the intricate lives of various characters, coupled with Moretti's unique style and humor, creates a compelling cinematic experience that elevates the popular genre. Discussing his collaboration with Jasmine Trinca, Garrel emphasized the profound connection required for their intense on-screen relationship. He explained that intimate scenes, especially those involving prolonged eye contact, necessitate a genuine bond between actors. He and Trinca, sharing common friends and personal stories, developed a trust that made their performances authentic. Garrel also highlighted the role of an intimacy coordinator, a professional who helped guide him and Trinca through the physical aspects of their romantic scenes, allowing Trinca to choreograph movements that ensured her comfort and minimized exposure.

Looking ahead, Garrel mentioned his upcoming projects, including an appearance alongside Sydney Sweeney in Studiocanal's "Custom of the Country" and a role in Marco Bellocchio's "Falcon," where he will portray John Elkann, heir to the Agnelli family. This period of his career showcases a diverse range of roles and collaborations with esteemed directors, further cementing his international presence.