Denis Podalydès and Salif Cissé compose a stunning number: the comedy the answering machine is in the cinema

What is it talking about?

Baptiste, imitator of talent, fails to live from his art. One day, he is approached by Pierre Chozène, a famous but discreet novelist, constantly disturbed by the incessant calls of his publisher, his daughter, his ex-wife … Pierre, who needs calm to write his most ambitious text, then offers Baptiste to become his 'answering machine' by pretending to be on the phone … Little by little, he does not just imitate the writer: he develops his character!

And here is the favorite of the public of the Alpe d'Huez Comedy Festival! The answering machine won the coveted public prize from the first comedy festival in France, last January. The list of films appearing in competition was particularly high level (with in particular we will go from Enya Baroux) during the festival.

The answering machine undoubtedly stood out for the audacity and the originality of its intrigue! Its very original starting point should take you on. Le Pitch: Baptiste (Salif Cissé), imitator of talent, fails to live from his art. One day, he is approached by Pierre Chozène (Denis Podalydès), a famous but discreet novelist, constantly disturbed by the incessant calls of his publisher, his daughter, his ex-wife … Pierre, who needs calm to write his most ambitious text, then offers Baptiste to become his 'answering machine' by pretending to be on the phone … Little by little, he is not content to imitate his writer: character !

Our meeting with the talented salif cissé

The answering machine is a comedy with chopped writing, with a particular care given to its characters, whether they are first or smaller roles. In particular, he emanates from the character of Baptiste a real sweetness. The nuances brought to its incarnation of another form of masculinity bring a real depth to this story.

The secondary characters also bring a lot of nuance and accuracy. We can see in particular Clara Bretheau (noticed in the almond trees), Manon Clavel (a little brother), or Lou Luttiau (Mektoub My Love Intermezzo), without forgetting Aure Atika. The film is also a reflection on the place that is left to the means of communication and the links that we maintain with those around him.

But what draws above all attention to this film is the vocal performance of the Denis Podalydès – Salif Cissé tandem. On this plane, the answering machine is simply stunning. A real work has been carried out so that Salif Cissé could seize the voice of Denis Podalydès. There was a real learning and imitation work, accompanied by coach, who also lent their voice.

“”We can say that it was a concert worksays Salif Cissé to our microphone. What is interesting in the cinema is to create characters who are extraordinary, a character who masters so many votes, so many tones. It is very rare in reality. But the fact of believing it thoroughly is what motivated us particularly, underlines Salif Cissé, visibly delighted to have interpreted this very rich role at all levels.

What is the voice of the voice behind the film?

He continues: “I say us because I include Michaël Gregorio, who accompanied me a lot, especially with Denis' voice and some sung moments of the show. Michaël Gregorio, he has an approach to his voice. He brought me into his own kitchen which gave this sequence, precisely, where I learn to make the voice of Denis Podalydès. It was necessary to pay tribute to the work of imitation, to the gift of imitation, because it is a real gift that I do not have. But me, as an actor, I had to learn as much as possible from my ability to imitate all the voices I make in the film. I had to sing all the songs I make in the film. And afterwards, it was a complement work with a mixture of Denis voice and me to perfect the thing. “

Note that the answering machine is the adaptation of the novel of the same name of Luc Blanvillain. It is written and staged by Fabienne Godet, of which it is the 6th feature film. This made documentaries (as I do not free myself, on Michel Vaujour, in 2009) and dramatic dramas or comedies (including a place on earth, in 2013, with Benoit Poelvoorde and Ariane Labed). This is his first foray into the kind of pure comedy.

The answering machine is at the cinema this Wednesday, June 4.