Jacques Audiard on Embracing Misfit Characters

A film that has garnered significant attention at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize and Best Actress for its female leads, including Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, and Karla Sofia Gascon, is making waves in the cinematic world. The narrative, which intertwines themes of identity and transformation, draws inspiration from Boris Razon's novel "Ecoute," particularly a chapter featuring a hyperviolent drug trafficker who undergoes a gender transition. The film's co-writer, Thomas Bidegain, and the director faced challenges in developing the story, initially setting it aside before revisiting it. The creative process was further enriched by the director's exploration of music, leading to the writing of an opera libretto as the first text for the film. The choice of setting in Mexico and the use of the Spanish language were deliberate, as the director expressed a preference for languages that resonate musically, contrasting with the perceived limitations of French. Casting decisions also played a crucial role in the film's authenticity. The director initially envisioned younger actresses for a key role but found a deeper connection with Karla Sofia Gascon, a trans actress. Her life experiences and depth brought a unique perspective to the character, leading the director to feel confident that they had found the perfect fit for the role, marking a significant step in the film's development.