Radu Jude Discusses His French-Language Debut ‘Diary of a Chambermaid’ at Cannes
8 reported
Romanian filmmaker Radu Jude premiered his French-language debut, "Diary of a Chambermaid," at the Cannes Film Festival in the Directors' Fortnight section, according to a Variety interview published ahead of the Transilvania Film Festival. The film is described as a "variation on the novel" by French author Octave Mirbeau, which Jude said served as a springboard rather than a direct adaptation. Jude's version transposes the story to a contemporary setting, centering on an impoverished Romanian migrant named Gianina who works as a housekeeper for a bourgeois couple in Bordeaux. Jude told Variety he wanted to explore daily problems of migration and inequality in Europe, noting that 25% of Romania's population has emigrated for economic reasons. The director also addressed criticism that he is a "vulgar filmmaker" following his vampire film "Dracula," stating that he does not have a single style and feels free to explore different directions. Jude is currently preparing to begin production on a new film titled "Love Diptych," which he described as an answer to a Roberto Rossellini film.
What’s reported
Radu Jude's "Diary of a Chambermaid" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in Directors' Fortnight.
The film is Jude's French-language debut and his first appearance at Cannes.
The film is described as a "variation on the novel" by Octave Mirbeau, not a direct adaptation.
The story centers on Gianina, a Romanian migrant working as a housekeeper in Bordeaux, played by Ana Dumitrașcu.
Jude stated that 25% of Romania's population has emigrated for economic reasons.
Jude said he hesitated to make the film because critiques of inequality in Europe are "being hijacked by the fascists," but he considers himself pro-European.
Jude said he is often pigeonholed as a "vulgar filmmaker" because of his film "Dracula," but he does not intend to make only vulgar films.
Jude is about to begin production on "Love Diptych," a film inspired by Rossellini's "L'amore."
Key figures
Radu Jude, Romanian filmmaker
Octave Mirbeau, French author of the original novel
Ana Dumitrașcu, actress playing Gianina
Vincent Macaigne, actor playing Pierre
Mélanie Thierry, actress playing Marguerite
Louen Bouteiller, actor playing Louen
Sofia Dragoman, actress playing Maria
Liliana Ghita, actress playing the grandmother
Oana Maria Zaharia, performer and co-writer of "Love Diptych"
Sources: Variety
