Tim Burton: A ‘monstrous’ Lumière remake!
 

PostED ON 23.10.2022

The Lumière Award honouree filmed three versions of Leaving the Lumière Factory, complete with ‘Burtonesque’ props!

For his first version of the annual remake of ‘Leaving the Lumière Factories’, Tim Burton has a clear idea: "Do anything!", he instructs his cast, composed of a group of prestigious guests of the festival, from Régis Wargnier to Vincent Lindon to Monica Bellucci. The collective eagerness to play the game is palpable, in front of the great director wearing his emblematic headgear (black hat, sunglasses), as dark as Batman, in contrast to his luminous personality. Jean-Paul Rappeneau seems reassured by this straightforward direction for the actors.

Version One: "Put yourself in the shoes of second-rate extras. So, what's a bad extra, you might ask? A guy who walks like this.” (He demonstrates a clumsy walk). “Someone who stamps on others, who points at something for no good reason, who looks at the camera, who goes left and right without knowing why - in short, someone who does whatever, chaotically.” His hair stiffens. "You work in a factory, but no extra has ever worked in a factory! Go ahead and do it, basically be bad actors!" Back in the Lumière movie theatre to review the film, he concludes, "Great job! That's quite an exit, the end of a perfect factory day! On the other hand, the person on the bike (Vincent Perez), you were way too good!"

© Léa Rener

Version Two: A devilish bat doll invites itself into the fixed frame of the camera in front of the former factory. A little blurry in extreme close-up, it opens the ball. The filmmaker of monsters precedes his procession of bad actors. This is followed by an assortment of unleashed personalities, including Claude Lelouch with his laptop for his ‘making-of’ du jour. He calls on his friends, including TV personality Anne-Elisabeth Lemoine, his first supporter. It’s total mayhem; the adorable little dog is the least agitated character of the lot. Tim Burton is delighted with the result and, back in the theatre to attend screening number two, he says into his blue megaphone: "Great, you're the worst extras in the world"!

© Olivier Chassignole

Version Three: Another figurine, a purple statuette with a green head and silver hair, is taking part in the third shooting. Tim Burton and his enthusiasm encourage everyone to remain calm. There is no credibility if everyone smiles and gives the impression of having a good time. One should remain serious, as if all French cinema was really exiting the factories but doing it badly. Be well aware of your steps and your gait, which must remain steady yet chaotic. The Minister of Culture, Rima Abdul Malak, as well as the Mayor of Lyon, Grégory Doucet, seem slightly out of their depth….

© Romane Derbelen / Jean-Luc Mège Photography

Charlotte Pavard