The 6th edition of the El Gouna Festival, which has exceptionally took place from December 14 to 21, 2023, was marked by the presence of international actor Christophe Lambert.
Christophe Lambert’s journey was traced by the actor himself, stressing his astonishment as a child in the face of the idea that the camera can capture the emotions of an actor on the screen. He also praised the organization of the El Gouna festival, highlighting the importance of a festival centered on humanity, a theme that has deeply motivated his film career.
The day before the fence, a conversation with Christophe Lambert, had at the Plaza amphitheater, and captured the attention of moviegoers and enthusiasts of the seventh art. This exchange offered a privileged moment to dive into the fascinating universe of this international actor with multiple facets.
Recognized for his emblematic roles in films such as Greystoke: The legend of Tarzan, lord of the monkeys (1984), Highlander (1986) and Subway (1985), Christophe Lambert charmed the audience by sharing the details of his atypical journey. “” I can’t tell you everything, I was born in New York, raised in Scotland, then in Switzerland … In fact, I lived on a plane, and I like it. I have been from one country to another, I met so many different people. And I think it enriched me and helped me in my career, “He said with its characteristic charm.
The actor shared his singular vision of “at home”, saying with humor that his home was “on an plane”, while adding a personal touch by mentioning that his real home was where his daughter was, currently in New York, which he frequently visited.
The conversation then plunged into the beginnings of Christophe Lambert in the world of cinema. “” I wanted to be an actor at the age of 12, and I decided that I would be a movie actor. I was first at school, and around 19, I was in Paris and I joined a good school of interpretation: the Conservatoire. I wanted to make cinema, it made me dream. I liked to meet actors, producers … “. These anecdotes transported the public to the actor’s past, offering an overview of his youth dreams.
A particularly fascinating moment of the conversation was the discussion on the preparation of Christophe Lambert for his role in Greystoke, the legend of Tarzan. “” In reality, the best film school is ‘chimpanzee’”He said with enthusiasm. He said: ” The deepest actor lessons I received were during my time spent with chimpanzees because animals do not cheat and do not lie. The key is not to try to be someone else, but to be yourself and add parts of yourself to the character. Preparing this role was very important, because being a monkey is sincerely. I spent two months with a very famous veterinarian in Texas, and every day, intensive training to react like a monkey. One of the monkeys had become my friend. The film was shot in Scotland and England, and we made a TV show to promote the film, and when this monkey who had become my friend saw me, he recognized me, he came in my arms throughout the show ».
He also detailed his intensive training with a veterinarian in Texas to learn to react and behave like a monkey. The daily training sessions, the months of preparation, and even the touching anecdote of a monkey becoming his friend added a unique dimension to the actor’s experience.
The moderator approached the challenge of the myopia of Lambert, and paradoxically, he heard that Christophe Lambert was chosen for the role of Tarzan for his myopia. Christophe said that he has faced comments on his myopia since his first youth, that he had kept a small complex, and that he refused to take off his glasses, including in castings. “” I have always had a problem with my eyes since I was a kid“He revealed,” At school, a girl made fun of me, and asked me why I met my eyes. I never wanted to remove my glasses, and to the castings, I also didn’t want to remove my glasses when asked He added. The moderator: How do you do all these action scenes with your vision problem? Christophe: ” I’m lucky! And I’m so well trained that I don’t need to see, but to feel ».
The exchange then explored the international career of Christophe Lambert, from his roles in Hollywood until his return to France. Emblematic films like Subway And Highlander were mentioned, highlighting the versatility of the actor. “” The films I made are the films I wanted to make. To play is to become another person, ”said Lambert, stressing the very essence of his job.
The discussion looked at Lambert’s film choices, revealing a conscious and deliberate approach. “” All my decisions were completely conscientious. I chose according to fun. When I felt that I had fun, I was doing it. My whole life has been based on this principle of fun. When I was a child, my father reproached me, he told me that I would not succeed while having fun. But yet that’s what I did. I always had fun. I have also always been what I was, that is to say myself. I was the only one in the family who was sure of what he wanted to do ». These reflections brought an interesting light on the philosophy of the actor and his constant research of pleasure in his work and in his life.
The discussion has ended with deep reflections on the career of Christophe Lambert, approaching his doubts over the years and his most recent projects. The moderator asked a key question: ” Have you ever had doubts about your career? Do you think you could have done differently or better? ». Lambert responded with touching sincerity, saying: ” The doubts are inevitable. They were part of my journey. Today, they are less present in my thoughts ».
Regarding the possibility of redoing his choices if his career started today, Lambert shared, ” In France, maybe I would have tried comedy. However, I believe that, fundamentally, my choices would have been similar. I have an inclination for action. Maybe I would have explored comedy a little more. But basically, I haven’t changed. I’m still looking for fun and, if I think I wouldn’t have fun making a film, I will decline the opportunity. »»
Asked about the prospect of accepting lower size roles after 44 years of career, Lambert responded positively, declaring, ” Yes, of course, especially since I am not sure I have time and patience for very extensive shooting weeks. The main thing for me is to act with passion, if I like something, I would do it, whatever the importance of the role. »»
The moderator also addressed a topical issue by asking Lambert for his point of view on the situation in Gaza. He expressed the conviction that the actors can play a role in the defense of a cause, but he stressed, ” I don’t think I have to interfere if I can’t change things. This is a horrible situation, but what can I do?“”
The conversation with Christophe Lambert to El Gouna offered a deep dive into the life and career of the actor, mixing memorable anecdotes with sincere reflections. This authentic exchange has enriched the experience of festival -goers, helping to make the 6th edition of the El Gouna festival an unforgettable moment for moviegoers around the world.
Neïla Driss
