Merlant Bites Back for Cotillard in Cannes

Noémie Merlant recently visited the Deadline Studio at Cannes to discuss her role in Bertrand Mandico's comedy-drama 'Roma Elastica.' She stars opposite Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard, playing Valentina, who serves as her character's hairdresser, friend, and bodyguard.

Merlant found the project appealing due to Mandico's unique visual style and fantastical narratives. The opportunity to reunite with Cotillard, with whom she previously worked on the biopic 'Lee,' was another significant draw. Their earlier collaboration in Croatia allowed them to bond, making their shared excitement for 'Roma Elastica' palpable.

Reflecting on her co-star, Merlant expressed admiration for Cotillard's freedom and method of character development on set. Merlant's character's devotion to Cotillard's artist mirrored Merlant's own admiration for her. Merlant also revealed her upcoming directorial project, an adaptation of 'Notre Dame de Paris,' which will center on Esmeralda and her mother.

Beyond 'Roma Elastica,' Merlant's upcoming projects include 'Les Misérables' and 'The Thing That Hurts.' She is actively seeking funding for her adaptation of 'Notre Dame de Paris,' her third directorial endeavor after 'The Balconettes' and 'Mi iubita, mon amour.'