Benjamin Voisin: "I desecrated the whole idea of making a film"

Benjamin Voisin finds himself grappling with the enigmatic character of Meursault, the protagonist of Albert Camus' seminal 1942 novel, "The Stranger." The French actor, who previously collaborated with director François Ozon on "Summer of 85," is now taking on the role of the alienated office clerk whose inexplicable act of violence on an Algerian beach has captivated and disturbed readers for decades. Voisin admits he is still trying to understand Meursault's profound lack of direction and his seemingly predetermined sense of doom.

Socially, Voisin declares himself the polar opposite of Meursault. While the character is famously incapable of lying and emotionally detached, Voisin embraces social interaction, enjoys going to bars, and even admits to having a Tinder date lined up shortly after the interview. He playfully asserts his love for deception and storytelling, though he assures that his commitment to his craft is serious.

To prepare for the role, Voisin followed Ozon's precise instructions to minimize his own performance, aiming to be "deaf and mute" to his co-stars, a task he found incredibly difficult, especially when acting alongside his favorite, Denis Lavant. During the Morocco shoot, Voisin isolated himself in his hotel room for hours each night, foregoing his phone and any team interaction. He describes this intense immersion as feeling like he was "desecrating the whole idea of making a film," a process he usually cherishes for its collaborative nature.

Voisin dismisses the notion of method acting, a practice he notes many Hollywood colleagues adhere to religiously. He rejects the idea of "staying in character," emphasizing instead the need to remain in a personal zone where he doesn't "want anything." Paradoxically, he reveals that despite this detached approach, this role has been one of the most emotionally resonant he has experienced internally.