The Italian Connection: Louis Garrel’s Collaboration with Nanni Moretti

The Venice Film Festival has seen its fair share of romantic dramas, but the latest release from Nanni Moretti, “It Will Happen Tonight,” is generating buzz for more than just its star-crossed lovers. French actor and director Louis Garrel, who gained international recognition starring in Bernardo Bertolucci’s “The Dreamers,” has found a new creative partner in Moretti.

Garrel’s collaboration with Moretti marks a significant departure from his previous work, including the blockbuster hits “The Three Musketeers” and “Couture.” He is now playing a lead role in an Italian-language film for the first time and diving headfirst into the world of romantic drama. This shift raises questions about Garrel’s willingness to take risks and adapt to new creative environments.

Moretti’s unorthodox approach to filmmaking has been described by Garrel as focusing on rhythm, speed, and stylization rather than realism. This emphasis on aesthetics over authenticity has led some critics to label “It Will Happen Tonight” an elevated soap opera. While this might seem like a backhanded compliment, it speaks to the film’s willingness to blend high art with popular culture.

Garrel seems comfortable with this categorization and cites Pedro Almodovar as an influence on his work in this regard. This blurring of lines between high and lowbrow art is not new to Moretti or Garrel; both have a history of pushing boundaries and experimenting with different styles. By embracing the soap opera genre, they’re tapping into its mass appeal while also elevating it through their unique vision.

Working alongside Jasmine Trinca, an Italian A-lister with a long history in Moretti’s films, has been a highlight for Garrel. The two share a strong on-screen chemistry, which is no doubt due to the close bond they formed during filming. As Garrel notes, having a real connection with one’s co-star is essential for creating convincing romantic scenes – especially those that involve intimate moments.

Garrel’s admiration for Moretti extends beyond their professional collaboration; he sees the director as an alter ego, someone whose style and approach he has sought to emulate since his teenage years. This mutual respect is palpable in their interviews, where they share a warm rapport and display a deep understanding of each other’s creative processes.

Moretti’s influence on Garrel is also reflected in his willingness to learn and adapt. As an actor who primarily works in French-language films, he had to navigate the complexities of speaking Italian for this project. Rather than shying away from the challenge, he threw himself into it, even asking Moretti to demonstrate certain scenes when he struggled with the language.

The collaboration between Garrel and Moretti serves as a reminder that creative partnerships are just as important as individual talent in filmmaking. By embracing each other’s strengths and weaknesses, they’ve created something truly unique – a film that combines high art with popular appeal while pushing the boundaries of what romantic drama can be.

As “It Will Happen Tonight” vies for the Golden Lion at Venice, it is clear that this unlikely pairing between Moretti and Garrel has resulted in a cinematic experience that’s both captivating and thought-provoking.