In Promotion of Unfaithful
Originally in French
To see the original interview, go here.

Richard Labbé
Press

They say that he is one of France’s best kept secrets. Still, with his Casanova good looks, Olivier Martinez has already seduced a few spectators, especially those of the female kind. The actor we first saw with Yves Montand in IP5, then in 1993 beside Mastroianni in 1, 2, 3 Soleil and in 1995 in Le Hussard sur le toit, with Juliette Binoche, has now landed on planet Hollywood. Ladies, here’s Olivier Martinez…

Press: Your role in Unfaithful sort of lets us know that you want to break into Hollywood…

OLIVIER MARTINEZ: I don’t know that I “want” it. The role just came to me, that’s all. I’ve only been speaking English for three years. I learned “on the job.” My agent in the US talked to me about a role in Unfaithful and suggested that I send in a taped audition. In general, sending in a tape doesn’t work, but this time, it did; I got the role three months later. My character was supposed to be a guy from New York, but they ended up making him a guy from France. Adrian Lyne (the director) lives in France, and his interpretation of the character corresponded with mine.

But does a career in the States interest you?

It’s not a goal of mine. My goal is to make good movies, whether it be in Los Angeles, Spain, or Italy. And why not Montreal? If someone offers me something in Quebec, I’ll consider it. Montreal is more beautiful than Los Angeles anyway.... Americans seem to like me, and it’s a good way to open doors. But I really could give a f*** less about a career in America. Some people see the Oscars as a sign of success. For me success is about being happy with your life. I’m an artist above all. You can’t let it go to your head.... Some people are on another planet, and I don’t want to go there. I like to act and to travel. The day I get tired of traveling, I’ll go back to Paris and stay put.

Here you are in Hollywood… are they proud of you back in France?

Yes and no. Jealousy is a very common sentiment in France. Everyone is always very pessimistic over there. Here, people are more enthusiastic. And you have more opportunities. In France, you miss out on a contract and you find yourself doing nothing for six months (laughs)!

Speaking of which, what are you doing after Unfaithful?

I’m going to Rome to shoot The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone for Showtime, an American network. It’s with Helen Mirren, and it’s based on a novel by Tennessee Williams. I play an Italian gigolo. After that? I don’t know. I’m looking for projects. But I don’t want to wait too long… if I do, I’ll end up dying of hunger (laughs)…