Adèle Exarchopoulos Shares Her Journey of Loneliness and Love While Preparing for ‘Another Day’ at Cannes

Adèle Exarchopoulos Shines Again at Cannes with ‘Another Day’

Adèle Exarchopoulos has once more captivated audiences at the Cannes Film Festival, this time receiving a remarkable 12-minute standing ovation for her performance in Another Day (Garance), directed by Jeanne Herry. This response marks the longest recorded standing ovation at the festival. The film premiered as part of the Cannes Competition on Sunday night.

In Another Day, Exarchopoulos portrays Garance, a talented actress battling to maintain balance in her personal and professional life, often seeking solace from her friend Pauline, played by Sara Giraudeau. Reflecting on her role, Exarchopoulos expressed gratitude for portraying a woman on a “realistic journey,” emphasizing her appreciation for cinema that connects with individual experiences.

In an interview, Exarchopoulos described Another Day as a story about identity, love, and addiction, centered on a young woman aspiring to be an actress while juggling various jobs. She highlighted Herry’s thorough research on addiction, which drew inspiration from a podcast featuring a young woman’s struggle.

"I immediately accepted," Exarchopoulos said, citing the script’s depth and Herry’s unique style. "She films the ordinary with profound humanity, and I love that."

Discussing her preparation for the role, Exarchopoulos noted that she engaged in extensive conversations with Herry about addiction, exploring the emotional highs and lows associated with withdrawal. They visited a women’s support group at the Villejuif hospital, where participants shared their personal battles with various addictions. This experience deepened her understanding of loneliness and the challenges of self-love in the context of addiction.

Exarchopoulos found parallels between herself and her character, particularly in curiosity and the connection to family. To prepare for her role, she revisited performances by iconic actresses like Gena Rowlands, whom she admired for her raw intensity.

The actress acknowledged the pressures faced within the entertainment industry, reflecting on how they can contribute to personal struggles. “When you are 28, you’re full of dreams, but then you grow up and have to confront harsh realities,” Exarchopoulos remarked, emphasizing the industry’s impact on mental health.

She also pointed out that the industry’s systemic issues often overlook the emotional toll on actors. “Sometimes just a little more kindness is needed,” she advised.

Exarchopoulos shared her experience navigating the American film industry after gaining acclaim from Blue Is the Warmest Color, revealing the disillusionment she felt during meetings with major studios, which differed significantly from her experiences in France.

Looking back to her debut at Cannes in 2013, Exarchopoulos recalled the transformative nature of that experience, stating, “It changed my path.” The festival was a dazzling moment in her life, filled with joy and shared with close friends, further solidifying her appreciation for the power of cinema and storytelling.