Jeanne Goursaud is a shooting star. Because her film and TV career is currently on the rise. But also because she’s great with a gun on screen. For example, in the hit series “Pax Massilia” or the upcoming Netflix film “Exterritorial”. There she plays a soldier who turns a US consulate upside down in order to find her son. She found time to answer these questions for us. Let’s fire away.
FACES: Do you remember the first time you went to the movies?
Jeanne Goursaud: Absolutely! I think it was “The Lion King” – a rerun in a children’s movie theater. And I was completely unprepared emotionally. I came into the movie theater happy and left with a trauma called Mufasa.
F: Was there a movie character that inspired you to become an actor? Or one that has remained in your memory from an early age?
JG: I went through a phase where I was absolutely convinced that I was Mulan. A bit of kick-ass energy, a pinch of rebellion – I was ready to defend my imaginary empire.
Q: When do you know when reading a script that this project suits you?
JG: When I forget that I’m actually lying on the couch while reading and suddenly feel the need to get up and play the scene – or when I laugh out loud and then ask myself: “Okay, is this funny in the script or just my weird kind of humor?” And, of course, when the scenes touch me and I’m so deeply involved in the story that I can see it before my eyes.
Q : What have been the most physically and emotionally challenging moments in your career so far during filming?
JG: Physically: Every scene where I had to wear a tight corsage. Guys, 18th century fashion was a personal battle against human lungs. Eating is difficult too! Or on “Barbarians” for Netflix. Here we are in the year 9 BC. People didn’t have much to keep them warm other than fire and fur. I spent six months running through the forest in leather socks in the Hungarian winter (laughs). Emotional: Scenes in which you as an actress have to penetrate dark, vulnerable corners of your soul – and then someone comes along and calls: “Can we do that again, but with more light from the left?”
“I’ve always been persistent and determined.”
Q: What personal quality is particularly helpful in your job?
JG: Curiosity. I love getting to grips with new roles, new worlds and new characters – that’s what makes acting so exciting and you also discover different facets of yourself.
Q: And what characteristic might sometimes get in your way?
JG: Perfectionism. Sometimes it would be nice to just say: “Okay, that was good”. But I’ve always been persistent and determined. Maybe that’s what got me to where I am today.
Q: What’s your favorite way to pass the waiting time on set?
JG: With food. Always with food. And if I don’t have anything to eat, I talk about food (laughs).
Q: What’s the best way to relax after a strenuous shoot?
JG: A comfortable outfit, a delicious plate of pasta – eating again (laughs). Sport and sauna or meeting a good friend. A friend with whom I’m so close that we just feel at home with each other and don’t even have to talk.
Q: What classic movie or series can’t you relate to at all?
JG: I can’t really think of anything right now… But I find it hard to watch war movies because they make me so infinitely sad. Even if they are good. And important. After “Schindler’s List”, I definitely can’t do anything with myself all day.
Q: Have you ever let anything go from a movie set?
JG: (laughs) I often ask if I can keep a few outfits. Or once a “wolf tooth necklace”, that was a souvenir from the “Barbarians” shoot! I probably have at least one thing from every project at home. Mostly underwear, which I “let go” without asking. I must have forgotten to return 20 different skin-colored warm underwear because I just left them on after a cold day of filming.
“The 2000s were simply a decade full of fashion missteps.”
Q: Appearances on the red carpet: stress or fun?
JG: 50% fun, 50% “I hope I don’t get my heel caught in the dress and cause an embarrassing moment” and I hope I don’t look stiff. It’s difficult to stand relaxed and beautiful on the carpet.
Q: What would you always like to have with you, but unfortunately there’s no room in your bag?
JG: A fireplace (laughs). Unfortunately, it’s not pocket-friendly. I’m a total fire freak. I love fireplaces. I have a “fake” fireplace at home that I can carry from room to room (laughs). Apart from that, I’d like to have my family and friends with me at all times, of course.
Q: Which fashion accessory can you not do without?
JG: Earrings! Without them I feel somehow… incomplete. Or my rings. The one I always wear was given to me by my father.
Q: What would you never wear in your private life?
JG: Skinny jeans. The answer is definitely skinny jeans!
Q: What’s the best styling tip you’ve ever taken to heart?
JG: “If you don’t feel good, it won’t look good.” And it’s true! It just makes a difference to your charisma.
Q: Are there any photos from your teenage years that make you think: “Oh wow, what was I thinking with that outfit?“
JG: Countless. The 2000s were simply a decade full of fashion missteps. Tight skinny jeans with glitter embroidery? Guilty as charged. I even had one that I bought at the Hamburg Cathedral with a “glitter tramp stamp” on the back. Unfortunately, I lost it in my bag in a cab in Paris at some point. I cried the whole day. In hindsight, I’m glad! Or my parents made me believe it and left it in the trunk (laughs). Of course, they thought the pants were terrible too.
“There is nothing more precious to me than memories”
Q: Do you have an item of clothing or accessory that you associate with a very special memory?
JG: Jewelry that I have received as gifts from family or partners. There is nothing more precious to me than memories. And to carry them with me.
F: Which prejudice about Germany do you think is complete nonsense? And which one about France?
JG: Germany: That we don’t have a sense of humor. We have one, it’s just… special. France: That all French people always walk around with a baguette under their arm. Okay, some do – but that’s more of a lifestyle than a cliché.
Q: What do you hope to achieve in the next ten years?
JG: Playing exciting roles that challenge me. To be 90% happy and healthy! And maybe finally learn how to keep a plant alive. Very difficult when traveling around.
Q: What was the last compliment you were pleased to receive?
JG: Someone said I had an “infectious energy”. I hope that was meant in a positive way (laughs)!
You can see for yourself how Jeanne Goursaud looks at the editorial shoot (spoiler: fantastic) here.
Watch the trailer for the second season of “Barbarians” to see Jeanne in action.
Teaser image: @ Christopher Puttins
