In the shadow of the dunes (France 3) – Bruno Salomone: "I’m held hostage by the narrative"

Did the shocking plot of this TV movie encourage you to accept the role of Superintendent Becker?

Bruno Salomone: When I read a script, I am interested both in the story and the role I have to play. In this case, I like both. The structure of the story is really well put together. So much so that I was taken hostage by the story and didn’t see it coming to an end. I told myself it was a good sign and wanted to comment on this cop.

Do you feel like him off camera?

Physically, a lot! (Laughs) I can share a kind of stamina with him because he gets it. I love his courage and determination, but I’m not as heroic as he is and I don’t know if I can jump out of the helicopter to save my wife…

From the beginning of the plot, your character wants to start all over again. Has this ever happened to you?

This is what happens after every shot or game. Nothing is ever won and you need to constantly question yourself in order to develop differently. I’m almost 52, so I don’t do everything like I did when I was 30. I’m not after absolute fame or recognition, I’m just looking forward to surprising both myself and people by renewing myself.

You shot in Arcachon in harsh weather conditions. Did you suffer from this?

It was very cold as it was December. So all the outdoor scenes and what happened in the water were pretty complicated. Fortunately, there was a really good spirit, cheerful and festive. We laughed a lot, especially because the name of the first person to die in the story is Babar. This caused some nervous chuckles. There was also the actor François Bureloup, who has a very strong comic book capital, so it was impossible not to laugh in some scenes. I remember one whose character must have been in pain and I had a hard time keeping up my seriousness.

The public knows you more as a comedian. However, you regularly play cop roles. Do you appreciate these two recordings?

When I act in TV series, I get very positive reactions. I am lucky because I am often offered serious films and I feel as good there as in comedy. It’s nice not to be tagged. I love comedy more than anything, if there is no funny moment in a dramatic story, I think it’s missed. It requires some lightness and change, because the essence of art is fusion.

Are you ready to shoot the sequel of this TV movie?

I don’t know, it may depend on the audience. At the end of September, I will be playing Antoine Rault’s play at the Théâtre des Variétés in Paris. with a scalpel, in which I play an obscure character. I also wrote a series that was an adaptation of my previous show. But every time I talk about a project, it doesn’t get completed…

In the shadow of the dunes: Saturday 21 May at 21:10 in France 3

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