For the first time in his young career, Henri Picard is the leading actor in a film The piston, in which he delivers a brilliant performance. He tells us about this feature film in which he plays a slot machine addict who is struggling with multiple problems.
• Also read: Henri Picard would have found love again
• Also read: See all the stars on the red carpet for the film premiere of The Diver
Henri, how did you get this role? The piston?
I had my first audition in 2018, but I was too young at the time. Eventually the project was delayed due to Covid and I received a call to audition again in 2021. The next day, Francis Leclerc (the film’s director) told me I had the role.
Things aren’t going well for your character in the film… Did it inspire you to play the downfall of a young man in search of himself?
Yes, it really appealed to me. I didn’t know anything about gambling addiction, it never interested me personally. Before filming, I went to the casino to immerse myself in this universe and learn a bit more about what it’s all about. I quickly understood that addiction is not linked to money, but to stimulation, colors, logos… Reading the novel (editor’s note: the film is inspired by Stéphane Larue’s book of the same name) helped me a lot get under the skin of the character, understand their energy. The screenplay describes the plot, but less what goes on in Stéphane’s head.
Your character works as a dishwasher in a restaurant. Is it a world you knew?
I was a diver for a summer when I was 17. I didn’t work as often as Stéphane in the film: I was on call and went there about twice a week. Reading the novel brought back a lot of memories… I don’t miss this job!
It often happens that divers injure or cut themselves in the course of their activity. Did this happen to you during filming?
I cut myself several times while diving. If you stick your hand in your sink and grab a knife, you’ll cut yourself! We also have to take the hotplates that just came out of the dishwasher. It hurts at first, but eventually you can’t feel anything anymore. It’s physical work, but the pressure can also affect morale. The chefs are often former divers. They know how to do it, and if you’re not quick enough, they’ll tell you! The waiters are always very nice to the divers because they know they’re going to get beat up. The dishwasher is a bit the esto’s eyes and ears, and he hopes the chefs’ frustration doesn’t fall on him, because that often happens.
It was your first film with Francis Leclerc. What do you remember from this experience?
I love it! He became one of my friends. He gave me confidence and didn’t put too much pressure on me. There is a certain lightness about him: he jokes, but at the same time he is serious. He took the time to really explain the film he wanted to make to me. We talked a lot, and he sent me about twenty titles of films for me to watch, including several from the 1970s, a bit trashy where the lighting isn’t clear.
Your Stéphane is looking for himself and is on a bad slope. What lessons should young people draw from this?
It’s also a film about friendship. These friends who help us heal our demons, we must cling to them, we must not lose them. We need to move away from our demons and try to turn an addiction into a non-harmful passion. For Stéphane, it’s not a passion, but a job that takes up so much space in his life that he no longer has time to play. He spends all his time working.
It’s the first time you’re carrying a film on your shoulders. Did you feel pressure?
No, I didn’t find it difficult. We had a lot of time to talk about it before we started filming, and I didn’t think the character was that far behind. I’m still shy in life, and so is Stéphane. He’s also a music lover, like me. All of this has helped me. I approached this project with enthusiasm, even if there were difficult days. I was there every day so I had to sleep really well, I couldn’t compromise. It went really well!
What would you say to young people your age who want to go to school or become an actor?
I would tell them to study, be interested in everything and read a lot. You must be aware of the news and have a good ear. You must also stumble and be sincere in everything.
I can imagine that many times you’ve heard it said of you, “We know he’s the son of…”?
Yes. It’s not my fault, there will always be people who will say that. I’m getting used to it, that’s okay. It was easy for me to get into an agency because my parents (Isabel Richer and Luc Picard) were already there. I had direct access to it, but I still did several auditions before getting different roles.
• Also read: Henri Picard reveals the advice he received from his parents
Do your parents watch what you do?
You may not see everything I do, but you’ve all seen the films I’ve been in.
Do you have other projects besides this film?
I played in STAT and I know my character will come back. I played a hockey player who got in trouble after a trophy presentation party. I will also be participating in Cerebrum Season 3, which will be filming in March and April.
You are only 21 years old. Are you satisfied with your career so far?
Yes, but I don’t take anything for granted because I know it could end tomorrow. That’s how I see it. Filmmaking in Quebec is a luxury. There are many actors who don’t do as much as they would like and the options are limited. I made the best of it with The Diver because I know a project like this may never happen again.
The pistonIn theaters February 24th.