In TrailerAnna Gleisnerová plays a mother who goes on a road trip with her disabled son. A story inspired by the director's own life. Zuzana Špidlová.
You play a strong mother, but one who also experiences failure. How did you prepare for this character to do her justice?
How did I prepare?
Well, I have three children (laughs). And I think the film is about motherhood itself. And that's difficult. It's very complex. It's love and hate for many, many years, very deeply inside and out and all that. And so, being a mother myself, I know that it has lows, really, very deep lows, where you just want to run away, but also what I didn't know is what it's like to be the mother of someone who needs you every day, 24 hours a day, physically, mentally, where you can't rest, where you can't really be with yourself at any time. And I learned that from Zusana, because it's her story. It's her life. And I spent time with her and with her real son, the real David, during preparation. And also, we spent a lot of time with David, the actor. And there you have it.
You're acting with a neurodivergent actor. What was that like? Was there ever a moment when you wanted to run away like your character?
Run away from the set? No. No. No (laughs). You know, it was crucial to find the right David. And, you know, it was always a bit uncertain: we didn't know what to expect. So we were all nervous, like: how are we going to work? How long is it going to take? Is he really going to be able to play? Rehearse? Understand? Is it going to be bad for him or not? And then… you know, he's a born star. He has an immense light within him. He's an athlete. He's very ambitious. He's competitive. And everything we asked him to do, he did. And he was playing better and better. And his abilities are… there are no limits. He's, you know, a gold medalist. Every weekend, he wins something. He's a champion of the Czech Republic, and even in Europe, in many sports. He's just a superstar. He's also a very good actor, because he plays a child who is much more disabled than he actually is. For example, in the film, he doesn't speak at all. He has seizures, disabilities… And David doesn't have that. He really created a character.
Most actors aren't neurodivergent, of course, but they are very sensitive, or I think you have to be very sensitive to be an actor, and neurodivergent people are. So maybe that helps a lot. Maybe everyone should be.
You know, he's really come into my life, and I don't think he'll ever leave. Like… I call him… he's my fourth child now. And when I got home from filming, I said, "Kids, you have a new brother. You know, this is David. He's your brother. Really. And he's… he's magical. I call him 'a unicorn.'"
Being with him is always like a light. It shines on you and helps you, and it's always beautiful, pure. And acting with him is… it's a challenge. And I think he's made us all better, because, you know, he's so… sincere. There's no acting. No pretense. So I think he's the lucky star of the film.
Sometimes actors are asked how they get out of a role. For you, it seems like you'll never really get out of this one.
No. I don't think so. Filming in Calabria was very intense and, I would say, exhausting too because, you know, the conditions, the climate, the subject matter… you know “The Tale of the Hummingbird and the Rose?”
No, I do not think so.
So, the rose is white, but it longs to turn red. And the only way to turn red is through blood and love. And there's a little bird, and it loves the rose. So it decides it will sing to it and presses its heart against its thorn. And as it dies, the rose turns red and beautiful, and it dies, but its love is transformed into something. I think that's kind of the relationship I had with Calabria, because for me, I don't even know why, but it was a little traumatic because it was intense, different, and not just sad for my family and all. And then, all the pain, and… I don't know, a kind of sadness, an end-of-season feeling, you know… It created a bond forever. With Calabria, with Italy, with the people, with the crew. It's a special film.
So, let's change the subject a bit, something less dramatic. But perhaps a dramatic question… What's the craziest thing you've done in Cannes since you've been here?
The craziest thing I did in Cannes? Paying the bill at the Carlton, maybe. (Laughs). You know, I'm here with TrailerBut I'm also an ambassador for L'Oréal. So I came to walk the red carpet with L'Oréal, and it turned out that the premiere of our film was right after, and protocol forbade walking up the steps twice, so my heart was broken because my team was behind me, and I couldn't go back to be with them. And on the way, I said, "We have to do it, please." I negotiated with everyone, and finally, they allowed me to do it. It was crazy and beautiful.
So, you're a star?
Yes. Yes. (Laughter)
They told me you were the Czech Isabelle Huppert.
Oh, I love her. She's strong. She's beautiful. That's sweet. And is it true that she owns a small theater, a cinema?
Oh, maybe. I don't know? Of all the people you've played with, perhaps internationally or not, who has inspired you the most?
Well, David.
It's... yes. Number one. But, I have a big crush, you know, deep feelings.
I shot a film in Britain in December and January with Bill Nighy. And this man is absolutely… everything. He's so elegant, so kind, so gentle, so funny, so intelligent, sarcastic, wonderful to be around. And we had all the scenes together. We really spent a lot of time together. We walked a lot. We ate a lot together. And we're still in touch. So, he's… very inspiring. And also his lifestyle, his attitude, his style… it's really something I admire.
BY DINE DELCROIX AND FRANÇOIS BERTHIER
