As “Emilia Pérez” garners critical acclaim and Oscar nominations, its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, faces backlash over past social media posts. Director Jacques Audiard, in an exclusive interview with Deadline, expresses his profound disappointment, stating:
“It’s very hard for me to think back to the work I did with Karla Sofía. The trust we shared, the exceptional atmosphere that we had on the set… And when you have that kind of relationship and suddenly you read something that that person has said, things that are absolutely hateful and worthy of being hated, of course, that relationship is affected.”
This situation sheds light on the delicate balance between a filmmaker’s vision and external factors that can influence a film’s reception. Audiard, disheartened, has not spoken to Gascón since the controversy erupted, emphasizing her need for space to reflect and take accountability for her actions.
Audiard’s Vision and the Film’s Artistic Merits
Despite the controversy, Audiard continues to champion “Emilia Pérez” and its cast, including Zoe Saldaña, whom he describes as an integral part of the project. He reflects on the initial inspiration for the film, drawn from an obscure character in a novel, and his approach to structuring it like an opera. This stylistic choice speaks to Audiard’s commitment to exploring thematic and psychological elements through a highly stylized medium.
Addressing criticisms of the film’s setting and language, Audiard clarifies his comments on the Spanish language, which were misinterpreted in translation. He explains his fascination with languages and cultures outside his own, highlighting his respect and admiration for Spanish as a rich, international language.
Industry Reactions and the Future of “Emilia Pérez”
The film’s journey through the awards circuit has been notably impacted by the surrounding controversy. Initially met with enthusiasm and curiosity, the perception of “Emilia Pérez” shifted dramatically following the revelations about Gascón. Audiard notes the changing reactions, from accolades at European film festivals to criticism and debates spurred by social media and critical reviews.
Despite these challenges, Audiard remains philosophical about the role of cinema. He asserts:
“For me, cinema fundamentally does not serve to answer questions. It’s not able to, because the answers are going to change every week. Its function is to ask questions.”
This perspective underscores his belief in cinema as a dynamic art form that engages audiences in meaningful dialogue.
Navigating Personal Beliefs and Public Expectations
The conversation with Audiard also touches on broader industry dynamics, such as the pressures of award-season campaigns and the personal cost of public scrutiny. Reflecting on his own career and choices, Audiard shares insights into the complexities of being a filmmaker in today’s intensely scrutinized environment.
As “Emilia Pérez” continues to navigate the turbulent waters of the film industry, Jacques Audiard’s steadfast focus on artistic integrity and the transformative power of cinema remains clear. His experience offers a compelling study of the intersections between personal expression, public perception, and the ever-evolving narrative of film as both art and commentary.