Lambert Wilson to Star as King Louis Philippe in ‘Chopin, Chopin!’: ‘I Live With His Music’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As a lifelong admirer of Chopin’s music and the Romantic era, I am utterly thrilled about Michał Kwieciński’s upcoming drama “Chopin, Chopin!”. Lambert Wilson as King Louis Philippe is a perfect choice, bringing both the sternness and warmth required for the role. The script, penned by Bartosz Janiszewski, promises an intimate portrayal of Chopin’s final years, balancing opulent court scenes with moments of solitude.


In the upcoming drama “Chopin, Chopin!” directed by Michał Kwieciński, Lambert Wilson has been cast as King Louis Philippe, a role that highlights the life of famous composer Frédéric Chopin.

Wilson shared, “I’ve always had a deep affection for Chopin. My life is filled with his music, as well as that of Liszt. I’ve been captivated by the Romantic era in Europe, especially France, where there was a strong bond between writers and musicians, often centered around the figure of George Sand.”

As per Lambert’s assessment, the screenplay penned by Bartosz Janiszewski provides a “faithful and deeply moving” portrayal of the final phase of Chopin’s life. The renowned composer passed away in the year 1849.

“The portrayal shifts between extravagant court settings, where King Louis Philippe (performed by Lambert) appears sometimes lighthearted and other times troubled, and private scenes, revealing the loneliness of this artist and his eventual decline into sickness and demise,” the actor explains.

Chopin will be played by Eryk Kulm, who will also perform the composer’s music in the film.

As a dedicated fan, I couldn’t help but hope that Lambert Wilson would be cast in the role from the get-go, and remarkably, it came true! His portrayal of the king is nothing short of heartbreaking. -Kwieciński

“He’s not just a talented actor, but he embodies my concept of this character perfectly – stern yet charismatic, warm, and yearning for genuine human connections. For him, Chopin was more than just an artist; he held a special place in his heart. Sadly, the revolution marked the end of his world, a time when Chopin was universally cherished and backed by many.”

Though Kwieciński admired Chopin’s music profoundly, he wasn’t well-versed in the composer’s true personality.

As a cinephile who has delved into numerous tomes chronicling his life, I’ve come to realize that the common depictions of him, while familiar and comfortable, seldom resonate as authentic. My curiosity piqued, I yearned for a deeper understanding, seeking out untold stories about this captivating figure.

Collaborating with Kulm additionally proved beneficial. Previously, in Kwieciński’s intense war film “Filip,” he portrayed a young Polish Jew who concealed his genuine identity as a means of enduring.

“Besides having a likeness to Chopin, Eryk also received musical education. He’s long harbored the ambition for this part,” he stated.

“His natural talent for playing Chopin is undeniable; their shared trait being an exceptional sensitivity towards their surroundings. It’s even suggested that if Chopin hadn’t been a composer, he might well have become an actor instead.”

According to the director’s assertion, the global perspective on Chopin, a musician who moved to Paris at an extremely young age of 21 and faced health issues throughout most of his life, has been significantly “misrepresented.”

“I aim to portray Chopin as a vibrant, mischievous, and socially captivating individual, much like a volcano bursting with energy. He was a lover of festivities who would retire at an unconventional hour of 10 in the morning. Yet, beneath this extroverted exterior, he was deeply introverted, often isolating himself in a musical cocoon, struggling against the relentless advance of illness. I wish to encapsulate him as a man torn between two powerful forces – the irresistible pull of music and the inevitable embrace of death.”

The movie is being developed by Akson Studio, located in Warsaw, known for Andrzej Wajda’s Oscar-nominated “Katyń” and “Warsaw 44”. Alongside Polish Television, they are co-producing this film. It will offer a deeply psychological narrative, set in a lavish, almost ornate environment.

“Kwieciński mentioned that during the Venice premiere of ‘Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)’ by Alejandro González Iñárritu, there was a chaotic whirlwind of events: a cholera outbreak, lavish gatherings of the wealthy, social functions at the king’s palace, numerous events, concerts, traveling, amorous encounters, shopping addiction, and an obsession with violets.”

“He prefers to draw inspiration from modern tales instead of traditional historical biopics, as he’s captivated by the lives of today’s rock musicians. He described it as a larger-scale project compared to ‘Filip’, as it holds both artistic and cultural significance in his perspective.”

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2024-08-29 21:22