The actor plays Marcel Pagnol’s father in Le Temps des secrets*. The opportunity to discuss with him his childhood and the father-son bond.
What does Pagnol mean to you?
WILLIAM DE TONQUEDEC: I discovered his novels thanks to college but also to my father. I, who had a lot of trouble reading, it’s still complicated today (he was diagnosed with dyslexia late in life, editor’s note), I devoured them! I had the impression that the author was addressing the child that I was.
What child were you?
As I was very shy, I shared little with my parents or siblings. I lived a little withdrawn into myself. I had a form of loneliness that meant that I made a lot of decisions alone.
You are baptized Catholic and wear a particle, the opposite of Pagnol’s father – anticlerical and antinoble – whom you play on screen. Fun, right?
For once, I am for the separation of Church and State! I find that it is an immense progress that secular society offers us by allowing individual freedom. As for my particle, it has often preceded me! At school or in my profession, I have seen people look at me differently when I say my name. However, I was absolutely not brought up to worship any nobility, except that of the heart. My parents have always been very open, respectful and curious about other religions and cultures.
Did you ever come into conflict with your father?
Not really. There is a lot of modesty between us, and words are not easy. In adolescence, we do not always follow the expected path. You have to tell yourself that your children do not belong to you and let them follow their own path, even if it is sometimes painful to live with.
Has this happened to you with your son and daughter?
Sure ! What touches me is how much a child can make you grow and sometimes change your point of view. Their hurtful words are a gift they give you by opening your eyes to yourself!
*in cinemas since March 23.
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