50 BC. Caesar was thirsty for conquest, and at the head of his glorious legions he decided to invade that island at the edge of the known world, that mysterious country called Britannia, or Brittany.
Victory was swift and total. Well… almost. A small Breton village managed to resist, but its forces were weakening. Cordelia, Queen of the Bretons, decides to send her most loyal officer, Jolitorax, to seek help in Gaul, from another small village, known
for its stubborn resistance to the Romans…
In the Gaulish village in question, Asterix and Obelix have their hands full. The chief has entrusted them with his nephew Goudurix, a young slapper fresh from Lutetia, whom they’re supposed to make into a man. And it’s far from over.
When Jolitorax arrives to ask for help, it’s decided to entrust him with a barrel of magic potion, and to have him escorted by Asterix and Obelix, as well as Goudurix, as this trip seems an excellent opportunity to perfect his education. Unfortunately, nothing goes according to plan…
Asterix & Obélix au service de sa majesté will be released in a few days, so we asked Gerard Depardieu a few questions.
What inspired you to don the Obelix costume?
I love this character. Obelix has a field of daisies in his head: he has no bad thoughts. And if, by some misfortune, one does occur to him, he’s infinitely sad. That’s what makes him so touching. There’s nothing negative about him. He’s just a fat guy… who doesn’t like to be called fat! (laughs)
How does it resemble you?
Like him, I can be vexatious. I don’t know if he’s like me, but the fact that I like
this character so much perhaps reflects a certain desire to be like him. I don’t envy his strength, because I have a nature that puts up with a lot, but rather his positive side.
For a gourmet like you, is it possible to have such a passion for wild boar?
Wild boar is very good! But I prefer it in sauce rather than roasted. Wild boar gibelotte is exquisite! Obelix’s appetite is matched only by his generosity and wonder. It’s the same when he’s in love: everything is too much. It’s unreasonable, but it’s beautiful.
What’s your magic potion?
The life! My excess of life is perhaps sometimes a little discouraging for the people around me…
Everyone agrees that no other actor could play Obelix. How does it feel to be so closely associated with a character?
Yes, especially as this one is so likeable. And it’s exceptional to embody a caricature or a line.
How did you find your new Asterix?
The film’s success is largely due to Laurent’s choice of Edouard. I like his dandyish, slightly arrogant side, in keeping with the image we have of the Frenchman. Before, our little Asterix was above all a Frenchman; he symbolized the first resistance fighters. But in the comics, he’s never a “franchouillard”, and his village is nothing more than a small town that resists, with its traditions, its sympathy and its simple joys.
And your sweetheart, played by Valérie Lemercier?
She’s an intelligent woman. Her wit and humor make her sparkling, beautiful and graceful. Valérie
is a true comic, and even when she’s scathing, she’s still magnificent. Like Catherine Deneuve,
it’s her personality, energy and humor that make her such a beautiful woman. In fact, more than talent, it’s soul that appeals to me.
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
