On March 3, France 2 will premiere *Olympe, a Woman in the Revolution*, a historical drama that explores the life of feminist pioneer Olympe de Gouges, portrayed by Julie Gayet, who also directs. Inspired by the #MeToo movement, the film aims to connect Olympe’s struggles to contemporary issues, presenting her as both a feminist icon and a devoted mother. Directors Gayet and Mathieu Busson emphasize a modern narrative approach to resonate with younger audiences while honoring Olympe’s historical significance.
This Tuesday, March 3, at 9:05 PM, France 2 will unveil its latest historical drama, *Olympe, a Woman in the Revolution*. This captivating telefilm delves into the life and challenges faced by Olympe de Gouges, a trailblazer in the feminist movement in France.
In this compelling portrayal, actress Julie Gayet takes on the dual role of director and star, bringing to life a character that many French viewers were introduced to during the grand opening of the Paris 2024 Games.
Inspiration Behind the Telefilm
During the La Rochelle Fiction Festival, Julie Gayet and her co-director Mathieu Busson shared insights about their ambitious project. They have previously collaborated on numerous documentaries highlighting the significant contributions of women in cinema. Gayet explained that the surge of women’s voices in 2017, spurred by the #MeToo movement and the Weinstein scandal, inspired their desire to spotlight historical figures like Olympe de Gouges.
“We wanted to shed light on contemporary activists, including today’s Gisèle Halimi and Olympe de Gouges,” Gayet stated. “The idea was sparked by producer Christie Molia, who suggested focusing on Olympe de Gouges, a symbol of the French Revolution and the early feminist movement. Her story resonates with current societal issues and embodies the struggles women face today.”
Creating a Modern Perspective
Gayet emphasized the importance of approaching this telefilm with a modern lens. “We aimed to craft a narrative that feels relatable, avoiding overly grandiose or textbook-like depictions of history. Our goal was to connect with a younger audience, enabling them to draw parallels between Olympe’s experiences and contemporary events.”
Taking on the dual role of actress and director presented unique challenges for Gayet. She noted, “If they hadn’t allowed me to co-direct, I might have hesitated to take the role. Working alongside Mathieu was a joy, and we complemented each other well.”
Busson added, “Olympe de Gouges is not merely another character; Julie’s commitment to embodying her was vital. It made sense for her to portray Olympe.”
Despite the pressures of time constraints and the weight of responsibility, Gayet found the experience rewarding. “Initially, I was overwhelmed by the demands of both roles, but I learned to trust Mathieu’s expertise. The collaboration was essential for our success.”
Busson acknowledged the difficulties of filming a period piece within limited resources, noting, “We had to be resourceful and innovative, using existing sets to our advantage.” Both directors were proud of their gender-balanced team and the collective effort to share Olympe’s voice.
Research for the telefilm included extensive reading and analysis of existing portrayals of Olympe. “We aimed to create a narrative that feels contemporary while recognizing the historical context,” Gayet explained. “Fiction allows us to reinterpret history, and although we are not historians, we wanted our portrayal to resonate with today’s audience.”
Importantly, the telefilm showcases Olympe not only as a feminist icon but also as a devoted mother, highlighting the complexities of her character. Gayet remarked, “This aspect of her life is crucial. Her last letter, written to her son, reveals the deep emotional conflicts she faced, showcasing her loving yet challenging relationship with him.”
Through their innovative storytelling, Gayet and Busson invite viewers to explore the historical significance of Olympe de Gouges while connecting her struggles to current issues, making *Olympe, a Woman in the Revolution* a must-see event.