Félix Lefebvre fully embraced method acting for his role in László Nemes’ Cannes competition film Moulin, even sleeping in a bare cell on set for several nights.
Lefebvre's Commitment to 'Moulin'
In preparation for his role alongside Gilles Lellouche, Lefebvre immersed himself in the grim setting of a World War II prison cell. “There were bats. I didn’t have any idea what time it was. I felt like those guys during the Second World War,” Lefebvre explained. His dedication stems from a desire to fully embody his character, Martin, a cellmate of French resistance hero Jean Moulin, played by Lellouche.
Nemes Returns to Cannes
Director László Nemes returns to the Cannes Film Festival, where he previously won the Grand Prix in 2015 for Son of Saul. Moulin delves into the real-life story of Jean Moulin’s arrest in 1943 and his subsequent torture by Klaus Barbie, portrayed by Lars Eidinger.
Lefebvre, familiar with Moulin from his school days, noted the importance of the historical figure in French education. “He’s this heroic figure, a leader of the resistance in France during the Second World War. It’s one of the things that you learn at school that you actually remember,” Lefebvre said.
Auditioning for 'Moulin'
Lefebvre, known for his César-nominated role in Summer of 85, was eager to join Nemes’ project. “He was watching the audition through a screen,” Lefebvre recalled. Nemes encouraged Lefebvre to deliver a more restrained performance, ultimately securing him the role of Martin. The dynamic between Martin and Moulin is described by Lefebvre as a “game of poker,” marked by paranoia and distrust.
Upcoming Projects and Cannes Experience
This is Lefebvre’s third film to head to Cannes. Previously, he appeared in Supreme and Delphine Deloget’s Nothing to Lose. However, Moulin marks his first competition title. “It’s going to be, I think, a very emotional moment,” he said of the premiere, where he will experience the full red carpet event for the first time.
2026 is a busy year for Lefebvre, with Léopold Kraus’ Microstar premiering in June and another film, The Last Patient, set for later release. He expressed interest in working with directors like Paul Thomas Anderson, Charlotte Wells, and Molly Manning Walker.
Despite the intensity of his method approach for Moulin, Lefebvre acknowledges the need for balance. After a few nights on set, he realized, “I also now need to sleep to be able to do my job correctly.”
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/felix-lefebvre-moulin-cannes-film-festival-laszlo-nemes-1236597019/
