Harris Goes to Paris(in theaters today).
Did that guide your performance at all?
I was feeling very vulnerable and I couldn’t really talk to anyone from the opposite sex.
Lucas Bravo, Lesley Manville and Alba Baptista in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.David Lukacs/Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection
I wasn’t really good at it.
I always felt like I was bothering.
I find that very hard to believe.
Lesley Manville and Lucas Bravo in ‘Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris’.Everett Collection
I mean, everything is a question of perception.
There are examples like this in the wild.
And this is how I grew up, with a very strong feminist figure.
David Lukacs/Focus Features /Courtesy Everett Collection
She grew up with a very personal idea of men.
And so she passed it on to me, and it was hard for me to lean into masculinity.
That’s what I saw in Andre.
Lily Collins and Lucas Bravo on ‘Emily in Paris’.STEPHANIE BRANCHU/NETFLIX
It’s funny, it’s kind of therapeutic.
The strong figure, would that be your mom?
What perception of men did she pass on to you?
Well, she had a very old-school jot down of dad.
And she really grew up to be the opposite, running away from that idea of masculinity and men.
I’m glad it gave me the sensitivity I have today.
Your breakout role was Gabriel inEmily in Paris.
And that character was somewhat objectified, at least in the beginning.
Harris Goes to Parisis the opposite: His looks are played down.
Is that something that drew you to the part?
Oh, yes, of course.
I think as an actor, you always want to be challenged.
So not that I was feeling comfortable being objectified, but it’s interesting to explore different things.
What was it like working with Lesley Manville?
She’s such a delight in this movie.
She brings a very normal energy to set.
She knows she’s from working class, and she really shares the values.
And that’s the energy she brings to set.
She’s all about making people comfortable.
And I was able to really experience all my instincts and nuances without getting too much into my head.
She was like a mother figure.
And at the same time, she was my best friend, so it was quite special.
And it was COVID, and we were in this bubble.
So by the end, we really created a special bond.
There’s a perception in Hollywood of how women should be portrayed, and this film shows something different.
The dress, I think, is only an excuse.
But I think, at the end of the day, it’s a story of a woman.
And back in those days, women’s condition in society was really rough.
It was ages ago, but yet, it was yesterday.
And it really made me think about Lesley, who’s the superhero in this movie.
The fashion obviously is a huge part of this film.
And costume designerJenny Beavanis a genius.
Is there anything that you learned about clothing or fashion after being with her?
She works in a very organic way.
And I remember the streets were like this.'
And she kept just diving into her own memory.
And I think that makes a difference.
She really operates out of memories and sensations.
The Dior dress and the way Mrs. Harris feels about it drives the plot of the movie.
I don’t think so.
Clothes just come and go, and I don’t have real attachment to material things.
So I would say that’s my special outfit: my gear to go hiking.
This movie is such a love letter to Paris.
Can we do a little bit of a lightning round about French things?
Croissant is a bit more fun.
It depends on the baguette, but croissant.
Red wine or white wine?
I like Meursault, my favorite wine.
It’s a very particular, but very singular one.
I don’t drink much, but when I do, I like a littleMeursault.
Let’s be corporate with this one.
I don’t eat dairy.
But from my childhood experience, I would say Brie.
And I mean, they’re completely different.
I can’t really choose.
I would say Monet.
You’re currently shootingEmily in Paris.
Is there anything to tease for Season 3?
It’s being written as we are shooting, so I don’t have much.
And we started the shooting a month ago, so we’re still starting the season.
All the drama hasn’t hit the fan yet.
That’s all he said.
And he had a little smile and he just left the set.
That’s what he does.
This fall you’ll be inTicket to ParadisewithGeorge ClooneyandJulia Roberts.
They’re the king and queen of the rom-com.
Do you have a favorite romantic comedy?
It’s kind an anti-romantic comedy, but at the same time, it’s fun.
I would say500 Days of Summer.
I like it because, first of all, it’s so original.
There’s so many good ideas in it.
I love Joseph [Gordon-Levitt] and Zooey [Deschanel].
I think they make a perfect match.
And it’s very artistic all the drawings and the music and the supporting cast.
I think I love everything about this movie.
That scene when they actually get together, and he dances in the street with all the workers.
The scene in the elevator, when she talks about the Smiths.
Everything is so cute and subtle.
