Christophe Honoré's film 'Orange-Flavoured Wedding' premieres at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, diving into the intricate dynamics of a French family.
Star-Studded Cast Brings Family Drama to Life
The film boasts a notable ensemble cast including Adèle Exarchopoulos, Malou Khebizi, Paul Kircher, Vincent Lacoste, Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Alban Lenoir, Myriem Akheddiou, and Noée Abita. Additional cast members include Xavier Lacaille, Saadia Bentaïeb, Victoire Du Bois, Jules Sagot, Joann Brezot, Prune Bozo, Ji-Min Park, and Andranic Manet.
1978 Suburban Nantes: A Wedding Day Drama
Set in March 1978, the film follows the Puig family during the wedding of their youngest son, Jacques, in the suburbs of Nantes. The father is absent, banished from the family, while Jacques marries Martine in a celebration of love. The film questions whether love can mend childhood wounds, a theme central to Honoré's narrative.
Honoré's Personal Touch
Honoré, known for works like 'Marcello Mio' and 'The Beloved', describes the film as a familiar entity. He shares, “Even before shooting it, it was already there, diffused through every book I've written, every film I’ve made.” Despite its personal roots, Honoré hesitates to label it autobiographical, focusing instead on the collective experience of the characters.
Honoré's collaboration with actors like Lacoste and Kircher was pivotal. He aimed to gather a diverse group united by his affection. The cast rehearsed ballroom dances and engaged deeply with the family story. On set, Honoré allowed actors freedom, stating, “I let them live their own lives.”
The Film's Emotional Core
'Orange-Flavoured Wedding' highlights how emotions weave through family bonds. Honoré explains, “I wanted the focus to be on how emotions flow between the members of a group.” The film illustrates how tragedy and perseverance shape the family’s narrative.
The film's title references an American drink seen in the movie and the death of French singer Claude François, both symbolic of Honoré's childhood memories. He reflects, “Whenever I hear one of his songs – or drink the orange-flavored beverage mentioned in the film – my entire childhood within that family comes flooding back.”
For a first look at this family saga, watch an exclusive clip from 'Orange-Flavoured Wedding'.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/cannes-orange-flavoured-wedding-christoph-honore-film-clip-1236597663/
