Young French actor Jules Houplain started out in 2014, having acted on stage since he was just 12 and going on to work on series and films, including the award-winning Hidden Kisses, about the struggles of a gay teenager in the era of social media. He stars as the son of Juliette Binoche in the upcoming film Celle que vous Croyez and already has another film lined up for 2019 – all this and he’s not even 20 years old yet. We caught up with Jules between takes to find out what inspires him.
You studied acting at drama school: how did that change your approach?
I grew, my acting got stronger and my preparation technique improved. People probably do have some kind of natural tendency for acting but being an actor also takes a lot of work.
What inspires you?
French cinema.
Who is your mentor?
My uncle Ludo.
Who would be your dream directors to work with?
Nicole Garcia, Francois Ozon and Xavier Dolan.
Who are your favourite actors/actresses?
Al Pacino and De Niro for their always perfect performances and Juliette Binoche with whom I’m working on a film right now.
What’s the key to your acting technique?
I need to know my fellow actors a bit and to have some kind of relationship with them in order to feel sincere.
As an actor, is it important that your roles deal with societal issues?
Yes. We need to open up ways of thinking and debate societal subjects. The world is changing. An actor should be representative and give a voice to those who don’t have one.
How do you approach a new role?
I look for similarities with people that I know.
What are your criteria for choosing a new project?
The character, the story and the director.
How do you nurture your creativity?
I need to exercise, I read and I watch films – sometimes even several times in order to be able to really analyse them.
Did you expect for your career to start out the way it has?
I would never have thought I would be able to make a living from this profession.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Still in the same profession, I hope! And international projects, why not? That must be very rewarding.
®All Rights Reserved
Talent: Jules Houplain
Interview by Kim Laidlaw
Photographer: Edoardo de Ruggiero
Styling: Nicholas Galletti
Grooming: Sebastien LeCorroller @ Airport agency for Bumble&Bumble
© Riproduzione riservata
