Louis Garrel Jokes About 'Moretti Method' Acting at Press Conference for Nanni Moretti's 'It Will Happen Tonight'

Garrel's Gentle Jibe at Moretti's Method

During the press conference for Nanni Moretti's latest film It Will Happen Tonight, Louis Garrel took a playful jab at what he described as the director's "Moretti Method" of acting. Garrel, who is making his debut with Moretti, recounted a scene where the director had him play basketball on set. The scene, which involved Garrel struggling to make a basket, ended up becoming a comedic moment when Moretti himself took a perfect shot and then asked Garrel to emulate his success — after twenty-five takes.

"This is what I want you to do," Moretti told Garrel, according to the actor's account. "Twenty-five takes later – when I had failed to put the ball through the basket – he sadistically told the crew: 'Can I see the shot I took?'"

Garrel's recounting of this scene brought laughter to the press conference, yet it also highlighted Moretti's meticulous approach to filmmaking — a style that has been a hallmark of his career for over four decades. Moretti's method, while not always easy, is known for its precision and deep emotional commitment.

The Return of a Master: Nanni Moretti

Nanni Moretti, a figure synonymous with Italian cinema, has long been an enigma in the world of film. With nine movies competing at Cannes, he's one of Italy's most celebrated directors. This year marks his return to Venice after 37 years, and it's a moment that has fans and critics alike eagerly anticipating.

Moretti's filmography includes classics like The Son's Room, which won the Palme d'Or in 2001, and We Have a Pope, a film that delved into themes of faith and doubt. His ability to weave deeply personal narratives with broader social commentary has always set him apart.

A Romantic Turn for Moretti

It Will Happen Tonight is a departure for Moretti, marking his first venture into romance — not just as a genre, but as a deeply emotional and personal exploration of love, loss, and human connection. The film is based on Israeli writer Eshkol Nevo's short story collection Hungry Heart, which explores the intricacies of relationships across generations.

The narrative focuses on the complex bond between parents and their grown children, a theme that resonates strongly with Moretti's own autobiographical style. His films often reflect personal experiences and universal truths, and this latest offering is no exception.

Trinca's Emotional Reunion

Italian actress Jasmine Trinca, who has worked with Moretti in past films such as The Son's Room and The Caiman, expressed how emotionally significant it was to be working with him again. "Nanni is the person who forged my idea of cinema," she said. "Which is not about being in front of camera with an affectation or a pose."

This statement underscores Moretti's influence on his actors — not just as a director, but as someone who shapes the very foundation of cinematic expression. Trinca's role, and indeed all roles in this film, are steeped in authenticity.

The Moretti Method: A Deep Dive

What is it about Moretti that makes his approach so compelling? His method is less about instruction and more about immersion. He often demands a deep emotional truth from his actors — something that can be both exhilarating and challenging.

Moretti's process, while rigorous, is rooted in the idea of emotional honesty. He pushes his cast to dig into their own experiences, drawing on personal pain or joy to bring authenticity to screen. It's a technique that has earned him respect from actors and critics alike.

The Power of Collaboration

Garrel's debut with Moretti adds a new dynamic to the film's creative energy. His previous roles in The Three Musketeers and upcoming project Custom of the Country have already established him as a compelling lead actor. The chemistry between Garrel and Trinca, who has known Moretti since her early career, promises to be one of the film's emotional anchors.

Moretti's screenwriting team, Valia Santella and Federica Pontremoli, collaborated with him to create a powerful love story that transcends genre boundaries. Their partnership reflects Moretti's belief in collaborative storytelling — one that is not only about personal expression but also about collective creation.

Moretti's Recent Work and Future Visions

Moretti's last Cannes appearance came with A Brighter Tomorrow, a meta-comedy where he starred as a Roman director shooting a period piece set in Rome in 1956. That film was a testament to his continued ability to blend humor with profound storytelling — a quality that makes his work resonate with global audiences.

With It Will Happen Tonight, Moretti is not just revisiting old ground but redefining it. The film's emotional depth, visual poetry, and compelling performances make it one of the most anticipated releases at this year's Venice Film Festival.

A Festival Moment in Time

The Venice Film Festival is a place where cinema is not just watched — it's lived. And Moretti's return to the Lido is more than just a cinematic event; it's a cultural moment. The film's pre-sales, already underway, suggest that audiences are eager for another dose of Moretti's storytelling magic.

Garrel's jokes and Trinca's heartfelt memories are but the beginning. This film is about love, memory, and how stories are passed down through generations — all rendered with the kind of grace that only Moretti can deliver.