Behind the scenes: a little about shooting a promotional film about Blue De Chanel
"Too blue to be black, and too black to be blue." The creators of the new and first in the history of the CHANEL House of men's perfumes Blue de CHANEL gave exactly this characteristic to the color of the bottle in which this unique fragrance is enclosed. The name Blue de CHANEL is taken from the CHANEL fragrances of the 1930s, while the perfume itself has become conceptually new. The perfumery composition was created by the brilliant French perfumer Jacques Polge, who is behind all the latest novelties of the CHANEL House. Main notes: labdanum, nutmeg, sandalwood, patchouli, mint, jasmine, grapefruit, vetiver, frankincense, cedar and pink pepper. Dynamic, fresh and very expressive perfumes - for a young man, a modern resident of the metropolis. French actor Gaspard Ulliel and young actress Ingrid Schram starred in the Blue de CHANEL ad. The director of the video was Martin Scorsese, who chose the streets of New York, with which he is so familiar. How the actors shot in the promotional film reacted to Martin Scorsese’s invitation, and what they think about the new concept of the CHANEL House, we learned from Gaspard Ulliel, who played the main character.
Garspar, what was your reaction to the news that Martin Scorsese himself would direct the video?
That was the last thing I could think of. Of course, we knew that some famous director was invited to shoot the video, because all the advertising films shot by CHANEL before that were also made under the guidance of people known in the world of cinema. But I admit that I was really surprised. And immediately decided that I was really lucky.
How was your first meeting?
We met with Martin in New York a few days before filming. Maybe it only seemed so to me, but great hopes were pinned on this meeting. I even think that it was a kind of pre-conceived ceremonial. In our diaries it was recorded in capital letters - "The meeting of Gaspard and Martin in his office." True, the meeting was postponed several times during the day. But it only strengthened the emotions associated with the expectation, at least for me. I just burned with impatience. In the end, everything went very simply and calmly. We sat in a small living room near Martin's office, and I felt at home. Martin asked me if I understood the essence of the story and if I have any questions about the script. I must say that I received before this a very detailed file in which the whole story was written, as well as the director’s remarks and suggestions, basic visual images. In a word, that's it. But I was so pleased to talk with the master of world cinema.
How did Martin Scorsese seem to you in working together?
I really enjoyed working with Martin. He is accurate and accurate in everything. Preparation for each shot is the real building of a disposition, with attention to the smallest details. With enormous experience and world renown, Martin is endowed with an extraordinary sense of humor and is just a walking movie encyclopedia. He likes to joke, and laughs all the time. For five days of filming, I have never seen him tired, he was full of energy and enthusiasm. And this, you know, is contagious. I would compare Martin Scorsese with the conductor of a large orchestra.
How do you like the scene at the end of the video where the hero slams the door while leaving?
My hero is just a guy who is who he really is. And he does not want to match the image imposed on him by others. He is freed from this. According to the plot of the video, he is a young actor who quickly became popular, but does not feel comfortable in this situation. He is depressed, cornered by representatives of the press, the public and cinema. Seeing a girl from her past in a crowd of journalists, my hero delves into memories. This immersion in the past allows him to understand who he has become and into whom he is turning. He does not want these changes, he longs to feel freedom again and return to a life full of joy.
How many times have you re-shot the final scene, in which all the walls surrounding the hall for the press conference fall?
Oh, that has been many times. I would say dozens of takes. The wall system was very well thought out, so it was easy to put them back. But the effect was amazing.
Did you like the Rolling Stones music used in the video?
It was the perfect and surest choice. Martin Scorsese is a big fan of Rolling and has shot them more than once. I think this music has contributed a lot to our short film. Before filming, I had never heard this composition, probably it was from the old Rolling Stones albums. But I'm glad I discovered it for myself.
Do you recognize yourself in the young actor you played?
Yes, absolutely. I have to face the same problems and ask the same questions. Personal lack of freedom, life in the light of spotlights and at the sight of the cameras of journalists is part of the profession of a modern actor. Like my hero, I came to such press conferences and felt that I was taken aback by questions for which I have no answers.
Did shooting in the video for CHANEL not exacerbate this pressure?
No, CHANEL is a completely different story. Of course, when I was offered this role, I thought a lot about how it will affect my image. Because in this video the whole world will see me, which still doesn’t know me very well. Those who are not familiar with my work in the cinema may think that I am a model, not an actor. But that didn’t bother me. In the end, the two industries - fashion and film - are getting closer and closer together.
Did Martin cut any scenes from the video?
Yes, we shot quite a lot of material in New York. Martin cut out some of the scenes on the subway, on the streets, in a limousine on Park Avenue, and several episodes in Brooklyn. But it is not important. The final preparation of the video shows the true talent of the director and its editor Telma Schunmaker, who left the essence in the final version.
It sounds like you were making a real feature film ...
By the number of footage taken over five days, I personally could not imagine how this could fit in a single clip lasting sixty seconds.
What do you especially remember New York?
The atmosphere in this city is simply electrified, and New York itself is a unique setting for filming. I think the operators love him. Since I do not live in New York, he left me with the strongest impressions. Maybe its inhabitants do not feel all the strength and energy of their city, as I felt it. But today, all my walks around the city resemble scenes from the film shot here.
How do you feel in the role of the "muse" of the first male spirits CHANEL?
ABOUT! Am I the first man to become a muse? I didn’t even know about it. Now I feel flattered.
Why did you agree to participate in the promotional shootings for CHANEL House?
This was not the most difficult decision in my life ... CHANEL, Martin Scorsese, new perfumes - could I refuse?
