Isabelle Adjani as Queen Margot under the eye of a skeptical, then amazed Patrice Chéreau

Jean-Hugues Anglade, Daniel Auteuil and Isabelle Adjani on the set of "La Reine Margot", directed by Patrice Chéreau in 1994. LUC ROUX/SYGMA VIA GETTY IMAGES

This January morning in 1993, it is very cold, and still dark at 6:45 a.m. Patrice Chéreau (1944-2013) arrives early with Jérôme Enrico, his assistant, for the meeting arranged by Isabelle Adjani, on the Esplanade Beaubourg, in the heart of Paris. The moment is crucial. Sitting in the passenger seat of his Fiat Uno to protect himself from the wind, the director wonders if he will finally be able to shoot La Reine Margot . He needs the actress in his film. It is the last chance meeting, the one that will put an end to four years of hardship.

Patrice Chéreau, who revolutionized the art of theater first, then opera, and who delved into cinema, wants to change dimensions. His role model is Luchino Visconti (1906-1976), who moved seamlessly from stage to screen. He also intends to tackle a popular film. He has in mind a new adaptation of The Three Musketeers (1844). Until the day Danièle Thompson, screenwriter of La Grande Vadrouille (1966) and La Boum (1980), tells him about another novel by Alexandre Dumas, which he is unfamiliar with. The difficulties begin.

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Le Monde

Isabelle Adjani as Queen Margot under the eye of a skeptical, then amazed Patrice Chéreau

You have 94.46% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.

Le Monde

Isabelle Adjani as Queen Margot under the eye of a skeptical, then amazed Patrice Chéreau

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Isabelle Adjani as Queen Margot under the eye of a skeptical, then amazed Patrice Chéreau

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Isabelle Adjani as Queen Margot under the eye of a skeptical, then amazed Patrice Chéreau

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