Télé 7 Jours article on Un Jour, Un Destin

July 8, 2008 by admin
Filed under News, magazines, television

Laurent Delahousse : « My Friend George »

Laurent Delahousse has met George Clooney, an actor, director, producer, a gentleman lady-killer, a commited citizen and a real star. An uncommon destiny spotlighted by a documentary. 90 min of happiness revealed by Laurent Delahousse. What Else?

A first time: good bye the studio, hello Italy for an exclusive interview with George Clooney…
Yes it was at the beginning of June. The interview lasted 40 min in a beautiful villa near Lake Como. Sweet atmosphere, with singing birds and Chianti (Italian Wine).

Why precisely him?
This guy has succeeded in everything. He is smart, brilliant, good actor and an international star. He produces his own films and he has conquered enough freedom in Hollywood to impose his political awareness. With my team, we thought this must be hiding a wolf. (not sure to understand that part in French so did not know how to translate…)

Like his chaotic life and his recent breakup with Sarah Larson?
No. his film Leatherheads, released last april, that he directed, produced, and stared in, has been a commercial failure for the first time. He admits he needs to become more mysterious again. He took refuge at home in Italy, to write a new film in the same vein as GN&GL, ie more committed.

Was it hard to approach him?
Yes, he is a star! He is very active, very surrounded. As nothing concrete was achieved, I almost gave up. Then Paul Degenève, the author of the documentary – a 5 months work! – convinced his parents to talk. Which opened lots of doors…

His door?
No. It’s when I received him on the Evening News last April for the Leatherheads promo that everything has been played out. After the interview, we talked backstage. He knew we’ve been trying for months to get an interview with him. That night, he agreed and he kept his promises.

What will we see in this documentary?
Extracts from his father’s show, George when he was a child, his childhood friends, his career, his starts in ER until the key episode when a script writer had the idea to switch the lab coat for a tuxedo. That’s when his charisma burst out.

What has impressed you most?
His “in the name of the father” life. This former journalist, retired today, taught him his culture, his political activism. George dreamt of becoming a journalist like him. It haunted him. We can wonder if it did not prevent him from building his own personal life.

What has surprised you most?
His “regular guy” side. A real life lesson. Success has not cannibalized his life. The fact that his father was a notorious journalist, his aunt an Hollywood actress who made movies with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, showed him at a very young age what fame was, and how fragile it can be.

Did he offer you a visit of his property?
No, and I regret that. But he showed me his 7 or 8 Harley Davidson.

Did you talk about his political commitment and his support to Barak Obama?
Yes, we talked about his vision of the future of the US and the possible big turn it will take with Obama. Obama promised that he will come to rest in Italy if he wins the elections.

(the last question is about the journalist, nothing to do with George and not interesting)

and … a little joke from our favourite prankster…
the journalist explains :
after the News were I received George and Renée for Leatherheads, George confessed he felt very embarrassed to come wearing a sweater while I was wearing a suit. So, I came to do my interview in Italy very casual, wearing a sweater and trousers. And I saw George coming in a beautiful tuxedo. he looked at me smiling… he got me on that one !