Behind the scenes of the comedic thriller 'Le Crime est notre affaire' provides insights about the unique atmosphere during filming and the interplay among its talented cast.
Directed by Pascal Thomas, the film draws inspiration from Agatha Christie’s work, with Catherine Frot playing the role of the detective Prudence Beresford for the fourth time. Pascal Thomas, who discovered Frot’s talent back in 1998 with his film La Dilettante, has consistently appreciated her dedication and hard work throughout the years.
"Catherine is a great worker. I discovered her in 1998 during my film La Dilettante. She replaced Valérie Lemercier, who refused the role. At the time, she was already successful on stage," Thomas stated, reflecting on his long-standing collaboration with Frot.
Frot’s on-screen partnership with André Dussollier, who plays her husband Bélisaire Beresford, is filled with contrasting yet complementary styles. Pascal Thomas shared, "They are different but complementary: Catherine is diligent. André plays very accurately, he has high demands of himself, but he always seems a bit anxious." This dynamic is key to the film’s charm and success.
Interestingly, the duo's characters were reimagined to suit French culture. Instead of the traditional tea-drinking English couple, Thomas opted for them to indulge more freely, engaging with the pleasures of life. This choice brings humor and relatability to the characters, which is one of the film's highlights.
The challenge of directing such varied personalities does not go unnoticed by Thomas, especially with Claude Rich, who he claims became complicated during production. "Claude Rich could not bear it when Catherine Frot, outside of the filming, dared to give him advice…" This comment sheds light on the difficulty actors sometimes face managing their reputations and working relationships on set.
Casting other renowned talents such as Annie Cordy, Chiara Mastroianni, Melvil Poupaud, and Christian Vadim lent the film more depth. Thomas expressed affection for Cordy's vibrant spirit, noting her humor and creativity, stating, "She loves life passionately and constantly suggests amazing ideas." These remarks paint Cordy as both charming and inspiring, qualities appreciated by the entire production team.
Thomas's passion for adapting Agatha Christie stories stems back to his adolescence. "I am a compulsive reader of her novels, and adapting them to cinema is pure joy for me. I have 20,000 books at home, including all her works. I love the clarity of her style and the unique universe where lightness and humor coexist with crime," he reflected on his admiration for Christie’s writing.
Interestingly, Thomas mentions Christie's mysterious personal history, noting her struggles with arthritis and her brief disappearance, yet she continued to produce exemplary writing. This appreciation of Christie’s resilience through her challenges flows through the film’s narrative.
The production itself had unique elements, with filming taking place across four different castles, including the Château de Pupetières. When asked about managing the luxurious set, Thomas humorously remarked, "These magnificent decorations went to the head of one capricious actress..." adding layers of intrigue to their shooting experience.
The film has not only achieved success through its engaging narrative and humor but also through the heartwarming collaboration among actors and staff. The warmth experienced behind the scenes echoes through their performances and adds to its overall charm.
'Le Crime est notre affaire', initially released back on December 25, 2008, holds up today and continues to entertain audiences, offering them laughter and mystery intertwined within the backdrop of exceptional talent and storytelling.
