Cannes Opens: Art, Love & Lies in 'The Electric Kiss'

The 79th Cannes Film Festival commenced with the screening of Pierre Salvadori's romantic tragicomedy, 'The Electric Kiss.' This film transports audiences to the Roaring Twenties Paris, exploring the city's burgeoning modern art market. The narrative centers on Suzanne, a young woman working at a traveling fair, who poses as a psychic to manipulate a grieving artist named Antoine and his art dealer, Armand.

Salvadori's inspiration for the film's plot emerged from a backstory provided by director Rebecca Zlotowski for a role Salvadori played in her 2019 film. This tale of a fake psychic falling for her mark resonated with him, leading to the development of 'The Electric Kiss,' which echoes the paradoxes found in Ernst Lubitsch's 'Trouble in Paradise.' The setting in 1928 intentionally coincides with the period's fascination with Spiritualism.

With this film, Salvadori, known for his comedies, delves into human relationship dynamics and the nuances of fiction. He names directors like Ernst Lubitsch and Howard Hawks as major influences on his stylistic approach. The movie reunites Salvadori with actors Pio Marmaï and Gilles Lellouche, while introducing Anaïs Demoustier, whose performance he praises for its intelligence and musicality. Producer Philippe Martin, a long-time collaborator, also features in the film's inspiration, with Lellouche's character mirroring their dynamic.