Behind the Scenes of 'Une amitié dangereuse': Actors Detail Challenges of Period Costumes and Character Portrayal

Actors Raïka Hazanavicius and Jérémy Gillet, stars of the new historical series "Une amitié dangereuse" on France 2, recently shared insights into the demanding nature of their roles. The duo revealed the significant challenges posed by period costumes and the physical requirements of their characters. Hazanavicius highlighted the extensive preparation involved, from intricate makeup to corsets and elaborate hairstyles. "The entire preparation, from the beginning, the corsets, the hairstyles... it was a lot," she stated. Gillet added that wearing multiple layers of clothing and heavy armor, sometimes weighing up to 14 kilograms, was particularly arduous, especially during filming in hot weather. He humorously recalled needing assistance to mount his horse while clad in heavy armor, likening himself to a "Playmobil" figure. Gillet also discussed the nuanced portrayal of his character, who stammers. He emphasized the importance of avoiding caricature. "It was a long process, especially not to ape and not to be in parody," he explained. To achieve authenticity, he worked closely with a speech therapist. "We worked with a speech therapist who led us on many tracks," he noted, explaining that understanding the organic reasons behind stammering was crucial for his performance.