"It Scared the Hell Out of Me": 14 Years Ago, Benoît Poelvoorde Was Impressed by This Actress in a Comedy That Didn't Really Leave a Mark

Benoît Poelvoorde reflects on his filming experience with Isabelle Huppert in "Mon pire cauchemar". Impressed by the actress, he recounts a collaboration that was initially intimidating but surprisingly smooth. Here are his remarks.

Released in 2011, "Mon pire cauchemar" is a bittersweet satire directed by Anne Fontaine, already known for "Coco Before Chanel". The film features a prestigious cast from French cinema: Isabelle Huppert, André Dussollier, Virginie Efira, and Benoît Poelvoorde.

The story follows Agathe, played by Isabelle Huppert, a bourgeois, cultured woman very attached to her comfortable lifestyle, who shares her daily life with François, her partner. Their well-ordered balance is disrupted when Patrick, played by Benoît Poelvoorde, enters their lives: an impulsive, unemployed man without a filter, who is also the father of a classmate of their son.

Behind this explosive encounter, the film lightly explores social oppositions and the preconceived notions that arise from them. Upon its release, reviews were mixed: some praised its unique tone and humor, while others lamented a lack of depth. The feature film received an average rating of about 3 out of 5 on our site, awarded by the press, and 2.3 out of 5 from viewers.

An Admiration That Intimidates Benoît Poelvoorde

While the film relies on a strong contrast between the characters, the behind-the-scenes experience was also marked by a certain imbalance… at least at the beginning of the shoot. Benoît Poelvoorde admitted to being particularly impressed by his partner Isabelle Huppert, whom he deeply admired.

The Belgian actor did not hide his discomfort when he learned he would share the screen with her: "At the very beginning, when Anne told me she absolutely wanted to make a film with Isabelle and me, I couldn't believe it. It scared the hell out of me."

A Silent First Meeting

Even before filming, the two actors crossed paths at a dinner organized by their professional circle. A meeting marked by reserve and shyness.

"With Isabelle, we first met at a dinner organized by my agent. [...] At that dinner, we sat next to each other. We didn't talk. She is very shy, and I am a big 'tracer'. And then things progressed, the filming dates became clearer."

Pathé

Despite this somewhat cold introduction, their relationship eventually evolved during the film's preparation. Once filming began, apprehension quickly gave way to a smoother dynamic between the two actors.

Poelvoorde candidly reflects on this change in feeling: "I admit: I was paralyzed by fear. But in fact, everything was incredibly simple."

A Renewed Collaboration

This first joint experience will not remain isolated. The two actors will reunite later in "Blanche comme neige" (2019), still under the direction of Anne Fontaine. They will again share the screen in the adaptation of Pierre Lemaitre's first novel, "Le Serpent majuscule", by Anne Fontaine, scheduled for 2027.

For those who wish to see this unique duo on screen again: "Mon pire cauchemar" is now available on Canal+, Ciné+ OCS, and SFR Play. "Blanche comme neige" can also be found on France TV, Molotov TV, and SFR Play.