“I wanted to create a film that exists between reality and fantasy, blending the gritty world of crime with the stylised elements of musicals,” says visionary writer-director Jacques Audiard of Emilia Perez.
REVIEW: Emilia Pérez holds significant cultural and cinematic importance. The film is notable for its groundbreaking representation of transgender characters. Karla Sofía Gascón’s portrayal of Emilia Pérez has made her the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for an Oscar, marking a historic milestone in the entertainment industry. Directed by Jacques Audiard, it seamlessly blends genres—musical, film noir, and crime drama—creating a unique and innovative narrative that challenges traditional storytelling conventions. The film addresses themes of identity, transformation, and redemption, offering a poignant commentary on societal expectations and the quest for self-acceptance. It boldly pushes the boundaries of cinema and contributes to the ongoing conversation about representation and diversity in film.
Audiard was inspired by the 2018 French novel Écoute by Boris Razon, which featured a minor character who was a drug lord dreaming of transitioning into a woman. This character intrigued Audiard and sparked the idea for Emilia Pérez.
Audiard’s interest in exploring the complexities of identity and transformation drove the creation of Emilia Pérez. “I was fascinated by the paradox of this idea of the hyper-violent and hyper-masculine world, and the idea of wanting to transition. When I read the novel Écoute, the character of the drug kingpin dreaming of becoming a woman struck me as a powerful and intriguing contradiction. This paradox became the seed for the film.”
Writing A Treatment
Audiard first wrote a treatment for the story, envisioning it as an opera libretto with three acts. This format allowed him to explore the stylized and dramatic elements he wanted to incorporate.
“The operatic way of thinking led to a certain stylization which is still in the DNA of the project. The musicals I admired growing up also had a political undertone: ‘Cabaret’ and the Nazis, ‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg’ and the Algerian War. I wanted to bring that same depth and stylization to this story.”
Audiard’s admiration for the political and stylistic elements of classic musicals influenced his approach to Emilia Pérez, blending the grandeur of opera with the narrative depth of film noir and crime drama.
The format allowed him to explore themes of transformation, identity, and redemption in a heightened, almost theatrical manner.
“The operatic structure gave me the freedom to delve deeply into the characters’ transformations and struggles. The heightened, almost theatrical manner allowed us to explore themes of identity and redemption with a richness and intensity that traditional narratives might not have captured. It was about embracing the dramatic flair of opera to tell a deeply personal and complex story.”
The structure of the opera libretto introduced the main themes and motifs, dividing the narrative into segments that escalate in complexity and emotional intensity. The Arias and Recitatives allowed the characters to express their emotions and advance the plot through song.
Audiard’s vision for the film incorporated musical numbers integrated within the narrative to enhance emotional moments and provide deeper insights into the characters’ inner worlds. The choreography was crafted by the talented Damien Jalet, best known for his innovative and expressive dance style,bringing a unique vision to the film’s dance sequences. His work helped to elevate the film’s themes of transformation, identity, and redemption through powerful and evocative movement.
“Working with Damien was a revelation,” says Audiard. “His understanding of movement and its emotional impact brought a new dimension to the film. He wasn’t just choreographing dance; he was helping to tell the story through the body. His innovative approach and willingness to experiment made him an invaluable part of the team.”
“The operatic structure was pivotal in building suspense and emotional impact. Much like an opera, the heightened theatrical elements allowed us to delve deeply into the characters’ journeys. Every scene was crafted to escalate the tension, ensuring that the audience remained engaged and emotionally invested. The dramatic flair of opera provided the perfect canvas for this.”
Initially, Audiard’s treatment for Emilia Pérez was a concise, high-level outline. It was conceptualized as an opera libretto with three acts, which provided a dramatic and structured framework. This treatment included the fundamental storyline and main character arcs, exploration of transformation, identity, and redemption, and songs, arias, and stylized scenes to heighten emotional moments.
Expanding to a Screenplay
To turn this treatment into a full screenplay suitable for a cinematic audience, Audiard undertook several key steps. Maintaining the Three-Act Structure, he introduced the protagonist, Emilia (formerly Manitas), her backstory, and her initial struggles with identity. This act set the stage for the transformation, building a solid foundation for the narrative. The second act delved deeper into Emilia’s journey, exploring her attempts to reconcile with her past while establishing her new identity. This act introduced major conflicts, both internal and external, to heighten tension. The resolution and climax brought the story to its dramatic conclusion, resolving key conflicts and exploring the consequences of Emilia’s actions. This act aimed to deliver an emotionally impactful ending, staying true to the operatic style.
Adaptation for Cinema
Audiard expanded the treatment’s character sketches into fully developed characters with detailed backgrounds, motivations, and relationships. Emilia’s complexity as a character was explored in depth to resonate with audiences. He expanded the treatment’s character sketches into fully developed characters with detailed backgrounds, motivations, and relationships. Emilia’s complexity as a character was explored in depth to resonate with audiences.
“Writing the dialogues and lyrics for the musical numbers was a delicate balance,” says Audiard. “Each word had to serve the narrative and deepen the characters’ development. The songs weren’t just interludes; they were pivotal moments where characters expressed their inner struggles and transformations. By integrating lyrics seamlessly with the dialogue, we ensured that the emotional and narrative flow remained uninterrupted, enhancing the overall storytelling.”
Audiard incorporated detailed visual descriptions to guide the cinematography and set design. “Every scene in the screenplay was meticulously detailed to capture the atmospheric and stylized look we envisioned. Lighting, camera angles, and set pieces weren’t just technical aspects—they were integral to the storytelling. The visual language had to reflect the emotional and dramatic tone of the film, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for the audience.”
“Crafting the screenplay with a rhythmic flow was essential. Balancing the musical interludes with the narrative progression ensured that the story remained engaging and emotionally resonant. The songs were woven into the fabric of the narrative, allowing the characters’ journeys to unfold seamlessly. This careful pacing kept the audience invested, allowing them to experience the full emotional arc of the film.”
Seamlessly blending the elements of musicals, film noir, and crime drama, Audiard ensured that each genre complemented the others. “Ensuring that each genre complemented the others was a central part of our approach. By seamlessly integrating elements of musicals, film noir, and crime dramas, we created a rich and layered narrative. Each genre brought its own unique strengths, and together they enhanced the emotional depth and complexity of the story. This blend allowed us to explore themes of identity and transformation in a way that felt both fresh and resonant.”
Collaboration and Refinement
Throughout the process, Audiard collaborated closely with his team, including screenwriters, musicians, and choreographers. Their feedback and expertise helped refine the screenplay, ensuring that it stayed true to the original vision while enhancing its cinematic appeal.
“The magic of Emilia Pérez truly came to life through collaboration. Working closely with screenwriters, musicians, choreographers, and the entire creative team was essential. Each collaborator brought their unique expertise and vision, enriching the film in ways I couldn’t have imagined alone. It was this collective effort that allowed us to blend genres seamlessly and tell a story that resonated on multiple levels.”
By expanding the treatment into a full screenplay, Audiard was able to create a richly layered and visually stunning film that retained the dramatic intensity and emotional depth of its operatic roots.
Film Noir Characteristics
The film employs classic film noir techniques such as low-key lighting, stark shadows, and dramatic contrasts to create a moody and atmospheric visual palette. Cinematography often uses tight framing and unconventional angles to build suspense and draw viewers into the characters’ world. Themes of crime, moral ambiguity, and complex characters align with the film noir tradition. Emilia Pérez’s journey from cartel leader to a woman seeking redemption fits well within this genre’s exploration of flawed, multi-dimensional protagonists.
The central storyline revolves around a former cartel leader’s struggle to escape her past and live authentically. The tension and stakes associated with her criminal background drive the narrative forward. Intriguing plot twists and conflicts keep the audience engaged, as Emilia faces threats from her former associates and navigates her new identity.
“At its heart, Emilia Pérez is a story about transformation and redemption. It’s about a person who has lived a life of violence and power, grappling with their true identity and seeking a path to make amends. The narrative explores the complexities of human nature, the struggle for self-acceptance, and the impact of our past actions on our present. It’s a deeply personal and emotional journey, framed within the larger context of societal expectations and the quest for a second chance.”
Research
Audiard and his team conducted several scouting trips to Mexico to get a sense of the environment and culture. They also did extensive research on production design, costumes, and music to ensure authenticity. Audiard’s commitment to authenticity is evident in his meticulous approach to Emilia Pérez.
“Authenticity is crucial in storytelling. It’s about capturing the truth of the characters and their experiences, even when dealing with stylized genres. For Emilia Pérez, this meant immersing ourselves in the culture and environment, ensuring that every detail felt genuine and resonated with the audience. Authenticity isn’t just about accuracy; it’s about creating a believable world that audiences can connect with emotionally.”
Shooting the film
The film was shot over 49 days in France, with 5 days on location in Mexico. Audiard chose to shoot in a studio environment to have more control over the musical numbers and choreography. This approach allowed the team to create a stylized and controlled setting for the film.
“Filming in a studio allowed us to have complete control over every aspect of the production, from lighting to choreography. It was like working on a blank canvas, where we could create the world of Emilia Pérez from scratch. This environment gave us the freedom to blend reality and fantasy seamlessly, ensuring that every frame was imbued with the desired atmosphere and visual style.”
Audiard worked with a talented team, including frequent collaborators like cinematographer Paul Guilhaume, editor Juliette Welfling, and artistic director Virginie Montel. The team’s efforts ensured that every aspect of the production was infused with the authenticity and creativity Audiard envisioned.
Karla Sofía Gascón
Karla Sofía Gascón is a talented Spanish actress who began her acting career at the age of 16 and earned a degree in acting from the ECAM (School of Cinematography and Audiovisual of the Community of Madrid). Gascón has worked in various television shows and films, including Spanish daily soap operas and telenovelas. In 2009, she moved to Mexico to further her career, taking on roles in popular telenovelas such as Corazón Salvaje. Gascón came out as a trans woman in 2016 and published her autobiography, Karsia: Una Historia Extraordinaria, in 2018. Her role in Emilia Pérez has garnered critical acclaim, and she made history by winning the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, becoming the first openly transgender actress to do so. Gascón is married to Marisa Gutiérrez, whom she met at the age of 19 at a nightclub in her hometown. Together they have a daughter, born in 2011.
“Casting Emilia was a crucial part of the process,” says Audiard, whose process reflects his dedication to bringing his singular vision to life, blending different genres and styles to create a provocative and ambitious film. “We needed an actress who could embody the complexity and depth of the character, someone who could navigate the emotional and physical demands of the role. Karla Sofía Gascón brought an incredible authenticity and vulnerability to Emilia, making her journey both believable and deeply moving.”
Says Karla Sofía Gascón “It’s a dream role that is hard to find because it has so much depth, so much richness, and for an actor to get into it, it needs a lot of dedication. Playing Emilia was a transformative experience, not just for the character but for me as well. It allowed me to explore facets of identity and humanity that are rarely portrayed on screen. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this project and to bring this story to life.”
“Working with Jacques was incredibly enriching,” says Gascón. “He was open to my input and allowed me to shape the character of Emilia in ways that felt authentic to me. His generosity and collaborative spirit made the process deeply rewarding. He guided me through the complexities of the role, ensuring that my portrayal was both nuanced and powerful.”
Jacques Audiard
Jacques Audiard is a renowned French film director, screenwriter, and producer, born on April 30, 1952, in Paris, France. He comes from a family deeply rooted in the film industry; his father, Michel Audiard, was a well-known screenwriter and director.
Audiard began his career in the film industry as an assistant editor before transitioning to screenwriting in the 1980s. Some of his early screenwriting credits include successful thrillers like “Mortelle Randonnée” and “Saxo”. He made his directorial debut in 1994 with “See How They Fall”, which won several awards, including the César Award for Best First Film.
Over the years, Audiard has directed a number of critically acclaimed films, including “Read My Lips” (2001), “The Beat That My Heart Skipped” (2005), “Rust and Bone” (2012), and “A Prophet” (2009), which earned him the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
In 2018, he directed his first English-language feature film, “The Sisters Brothers”, and most recently, he directed the musical crime comedy “Emilia Pérez” (2024), which has received significant acclaim and multiple award nominations.
Audiard’s films are known for their strong scripts, compelling lead performances, and his ability to blend different genres seamlessly. He has won numerous awards throughout his career, including three Golden Globes, ten César Awards, and four prizes from the Cannes Film Festival.
