Vassili Schneider : “I would love to portray a young Michel Berger”

How do you make your career choices?

In the beginning, I didn’t really make any choices at all. Now I have an agent who sends me the things he thinks will suit me. But in general, what I don’t like are roles that repeat themselves. Even if I haven’t made many films, there are still roles I feel I’ve played before, and I try to vary. In any case, I’m not calculating what a film will bring me tangibly  I’m not at this stage of thinking; right now I focus on the project itself. I might even accept a really tiny role if I like the director.

What was it like shooting a big production like The Count of Monte Cristo?

I was stressed, because I thought it was going to be too impressive. But the plus side of these big productions is that you have a lot more time. Time to do the scenes, to talk to the actors, and that’s great.

Would you like to continue making short films or more modest projects?

Yes, absolutely. I don’t want to make a distinction between feature films and shorts, even if their impact isn’t always the same. If I like the script and the role, if there’s something that challenges me, I’m happy to do it.

What has Forever Young changed for you?

It made more of a difference than I thought it would – I mean because it’s still a small role, yet it has helped some casting directors and directors spot me. I notice it now when I’m trying for a casting call.

Is there a director you’d like to work with, or a role you’d like to play? 

I’d love to work with directors like Justine Triet, Monia Chokri or Leos Carax. And if not, I would love to portray a young Michel Berger. I play a lot of music, not as much as my brother Aliocha, but still a bit, and it would be my dream to do a musical biopic.

Traduction Emma Frigo