Pierre Niney Expresses Delight Over 'The Count of Monte Cristo': "It Surpasses My Initial Expectations"
Pierre Niney Expresses Delight Over 'The Count of Monte Cristo': "It Surpasses My Initial Expectations"
If you're hunting for an adventure-filled flick to watch during the holidays or planning a cinema outing on New Year's Eve, you might want to consider The Count of Monte Cristo. This recent adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' novel, starring French actor Pierre Niney as Edmond Dante, aka the Count of Monte Cristo, is a lavish blend of romance and revenge, providing an unforgettable cinematic experience worthy of the big screen.
Directed by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de la Patellière, The Count of Monte Cristo follows the tale of Edmond Dante, a sailor falsely accused of treason. Just as he was set to wed his beloved Mercédès (Anaïs Demoustier), Dante is imprisoned in the Château d’If. Some 14 years later, he escapes and begins a new life as the Count of Monte Cristo, vowing to exact his revenge on those who betrayed him.
The transformation of Edmond to the Count is not just the result of Niney's impressive acting talent but also the work of special makeup effect artist Pierre-Olivier Persin, whose remarkable craftsmanship is also evident in another 2024 favorite, The Substance directed by Coralie Fargeat.
In order to carry out his plans for revenge undetected, the Count must alter his voice and appearance by donning a mask. Throughout the story, Dante must assume various personas and wear different costumes. During an interview with Niney, I asked about the exact moment he discovered his inner Count of Monte Cristo and how much Persin's involvement played a role in the transformation.
He replied, "The importance of the makeup for this role cannot be overstated. Without the countless hours of makeup tests in Pierre-Olivier's studio, I wouldn't have shaped this character the way I did. Each new nose, each new chin, every prosthesis added or modified altered my interpretation of the character."
He continued, "When we finally settled on the Count's visage, I even requested some alone time with the mirror and my new face, to become accustomed to this new face and learn his mannerisms and voice."
Indeed, Niney's voice deepens significantly as he assumes the role of the Count of Monte Cristo. He explained, "Monte Cristo is often considered Batman's precursor, so I wanted to fully embrace that."
He then went on to explain how he wished to sound like someone who had led many lives, traveled extensively, and experienced a great deal. The gravity of the situation and his relentless quest for revenge had to be echoed in his voice.
A tale as iconic and renowned as this one, a classic in French literature, required a score that was equally adventurous. Jérôme Rebotier's music was the perfect fit, enchanting and powerful, leaving a lasting impression long after the viewers leave the theater.
"I didn't hear Jérôme's music until it was completed. It was recorded in a beautiful studio in London, giving us the unique opportunity to experience the film with music that felt as if it were a separate entity, almost magical. It was a truly immersive experience that allowed me to forget about the makeup and focus on the emotion I felt when watching the film for the first time."
Niney also recalled feeling skeptical at the outset of the project, given its grand scale and financial demands. He said, "Every day, setting foot on the set, I would marvel at the fact that we were actually making it happen. Each set was breathtaking, from Edmond Dante's armory, filled with thousands of pistols and swords from that era, to the magnificent work of our set decorator, Stéphane Taillasson."
He added, "But for a long time, I would find myself thinking, 'This isn't going to happen, they won't be able to raise the necessary funds.' It required brave individuals who dared to adapt a 1200-page novel into a single movie. I was initially pessimistic, fearing it was too good to be true. However, it exceeded all my expectations, leaving an indelible mark on my memories."
The Count of Monte Cristo is a tale of impossible love and destiny. Although Dante loses Mercédès to prison, their paths cross again as the Count meticulously plots his revenge. However, under his disguise, Mercédès might fail to recognize the once-beloved man she was engaged to.
I inquired about Niney's preference for a specific part of the movie or a particular scene he'd like to exhibit to Alexandre Dumas. His response was, "That's an excellent query! The opening scene, I believe, due to our complete immersion in Dumas' language and his poetic expressions, and its mix of romance and tragedy, is the encounter between Mércèdes and him. She inquires, 'Why do you hold such sadness in your eyes?' He discloses his heartbreak over losing the woman he loved and his capacity to pardon only those who seek forgiveness. I believe this scene, with its eloquence of the dialogues and language, would captivate Dumas."
He further commented, "I believe this scene provides a detailed portrayal of the situation and intensifies the tragic elements of the story. Plus, I hold Anaïs in high regard and I am confident Dumas would also appreciate her."
During the promotional rounds for the film, Pierre Niney, who portrays Alexandre Dumas' iconic character in 'The Count of Monte Cristo', had an enlightening interview with Samuel Goldwyn Films. He talked about the significant role of special makeup effect artist Pierre-Olivier Persin in his transformation into the Count of Monte Cristo, highlighting the countless hours spent in his studio for makeup tests.
In the interview, Niney shared how the makeup process was pivotal in shaping his interpretation of the character, with each new feature altering his understanding of the Count of Monte Cristo. He also mentioned requesting alone time with the mirror to acclimate to his new face and learn the character's mannerisms and voice.