Life is a long calm river: why was the casting of this film very complicated?

A cult film par excellence, the comedy titled Life is a long calm river will be broadcast on TMC Sunday August 14, 2022, from 9:05 p.m. If this feature film, which launched the career ofBenoit Magimel, was a surprise hit when it was released in theaters in 1988, its production ran into some difficulties. The cast of actors was notably quite tedious for director Etienne Chatiliez and his team.

In fact, the filmmaker, who signed with this film his very first feature film at the cinema, wanted to avoid stars as much as possible. For example, he claimed not to imagine Catherine Deneuve in the role of Mme Le Quesnoy, nor Josiane Balasko in that of Mrs Gooseberry. Etienne Chatiliez only wanted to hire theater actors, which explains why Daniel Gélin was, in the end, the only renowned actor in the cast, whereas Jean-Yanne was a time considered for the role of Doctor Mavial.

Life is a long calm river: no actors known to the general public in the casting

In addition, more than 1,600 applications were reviewed for the roles of the two children. Finally, it was Benoît Magimel who was chosen by the production to interpret the very important character of momo. This first film was a promising career start for the young actor, who then established himself over the years as one of the best actors in France.

Etienne Chatiliez’s choices therefore paid off since Life is a long calm river was a public success, with 4 million cumulative admissions during its theatrical releasebut also a critic, with 7 nominations for Caesars. Finally, the film won 4 statuettes: best first work, Best Supporting Actress for Helen Vincent, Best Screenplay, and Best Female Hope for Catherine Jacob. The feature film was also nominated in the categories best costumes, best film, and Best Supporting Actor for Patrick Bouchitey.

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