Désirée de Lamarzelle: How do you avoid being typecast as the ‘hunk’ who became iconic in Emily in Paris in order to build your film career?
Lucas Bravo: This role in this incredibly successful series has given me the chance to receive many more offers in film. But what guides me when I accept a project is still reading a script that moves me or the need to play a character that really interests me, rather than making an opportunistic career choice.
Désirée de Lamarzelle: Recently, you played a very timid accountant, almost socially inept, in the feature film Mrs Harris Goes to Venice. Where did you find the inspiration for this character?
L.B.: It was my first major role in a feature film, and I must admit that there is a lot of me in the character of André. I like to work on flaws for my roles, and for this one, I drew a lot of inspiration from my pathological shyness as a child. This certainly lends authenticity to André, who has trouble verbalising his feelings. That's what I find so exciting about acting, digging deep within yourself to feed your role.
Désirée de Lamarzelle: When did you know you would become an actor?
L.B.: My father was a footballer, so he was transferred to many different cities where we stayed for a maximum of two years. I think that's when I developed this need to play a role, in a way. Each time, I had to reinvent myself and build myself up in other people's eyes by taking on a persona that allowed me to quickly connect with those around me. I identified people's characters and energy, but also group dynamics... Lots of things that help me in my job today.
Désirée de Lamarzelle: You starred alongside George Clooney and Julia Roberts in Ticket to Paradise. Was it intimidating to share the set with these two giants?
L.B.: It's quite strange because, deep down, it was the shoot where I felt the least pressure. These two immense actors have been so prominent in our cinema that I felt like I was joining people who were familiar to me. And in the end, compared to a shoot where you have to get to know your partners and their way of acting, I arrived on set feeling as confident as I was euphoric. (Laughs) And I should point out that from day one, both of them were keen to demystify their star status and put us at ease. It was an incredible human experience!
Désirée de Lamarzelle: People talk about the French touch in cinema as a blend of tradition and originality with a touch of audacity in the way of acting and directing, which is very popular across the Atlantic. Would you agree?
L.B.: I can't really answer that question, which is easier to analyse from the outside. As a Frenchman, I feel that it's in our DNA to show a certain boldness and freedom in the way we interact with others. We often develop a natural charm in our relationships, which certainly appeals to Anglo-Saxons, who are, by definition, less ‘Latin’.
Désirée de Lamarzelle: What role do you dream of playing?
L.B.: The first film that moved me when I was a child was Dances with Wolves. Kevin Costner plays a former hero of the American Civil War who is deconstructed in another culture, that of the Native Americans. I would like that kind of role, one that transforms and transcends.
Photo: Nawel Odin
Direction: Thomas Heisser
Styling: Meggy Sabb
Photography assistant: Martin Cayssilieu
First production assistant: Lydia El Bekri
Hair & Makeup: Nora Kourkis
Hair & Makeup assistant: Ying Ge
Special thanks to: Mathilde Beaujard and Juliet Vauconsant
Article written by Désirée de Lamarzelle to be found in issue n°7 of Oniriq Magazine
Translated by Bethszabee Garner
