Un Si Grand Soleil: “Melissa Thirst for Justice” reveals Hermine Granville

For several days, the followers of Un si grand soleil have been living in the rhythm of the investigation of the rape of Melissa. Through this intense intrigue, the scriptwriters of France 2’s daily series tackle sexual violence at the heart of so-called “amateur” pornography. Hermine Granville, Melissa’s translator, confided in our microphone about this important topic and this powerful role, which she explains with precision and emotion.

Alocine: It’s not easy to defend the role of Melissa. What did you like about it?

Hermine Granville: Melissa really intrigued me with her vulnerability. He is very generous with the people he loves. There is naivety and sensitivity. I actually find him deeply human. He’s going to make a mistake in his choices, and that’s what concerns me.

He is a character with very strong emotional expressions and an extremely varied palette of emotions. As an actor, it’s a pretty fantastic quest to be able to play a role like that.

Was there a hindering theme through Melissa’s character in getting that role?

Let’s just say it raised real questions until I read the sections where I got a sense of Melissa’s personality. And his personality appealed to me. If I didn’t want to interpret Melissa’s character, I wouldn’t get it.

Have you met with victims’ associations to prepare for this role?

It is very rare that we do not meet a person in our life who has not experienced any aggression. Fortunately, it didn’t go far with Melissa, but I’ve met victims in my life. As women, these are topics that we sometimes find ourselves in conversation with. These are the ways of life that we encounter.

How did you prepare to most accurately describe the consequences associated with such trauma? What brought so much emotion to your character?

I am hardworking. I spend hours reading the characters, painting a very clear portrait of them to find out what their weaknesses are, their deepest fears or even their desires. The first time I did a character study. I tried to understand how the unacceptable could be overcome. I tried never to judge Melissa, but always to understand her.

In fact, I found the character profoundly alone. Melissa’s family is never mentioned in the story. I got some things out of it. He has great strength and a great desire for independence. There is also a form of unconsciousness in this character because there is danger.

I watched the documentary Hot Girls Wanted for inspiration. It is a very tragic documentary that deeply shocked me. It is about young women who enter the porn industry by answering an ad. This is exactly what Melissa experienced. They find themselves on a plane to become a photo model, only to find out that it is a pornographic video shoot. As for the surprise, there’s something that really inspired me. It was very enlightening for me.

The second source of inspiration is actors, who have always been models for me. I love ancient tragedy. There is something about it that is very universal and speaks to emotions. Everyone can identify themselves. I also admire actors who have density and emotional power. Marion Cotillard, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, Adele Exarchopoulos, Sigourney Weaver are important actors for me.

Melissa finally decided to press charges. We imagine that Melissa will have no trouble proving that she was raped by three men. What obstacles will he face?

The main hurdle is determining the consent limit. Moreover, Melissa signed a contract that she did not read. After all, it’s his word against theirs.

It seems clear that James (Edward Jardim) and his accomplice director will not let go. What can you tell us about it?

You have to watch the series because that’s when you realize that it is very difficult. The actors play their roles very well. Also, hats off because the theme isn’t obvious and it’s not easy to interpret the villains of the story. Definitely worth watching.

Melissa will begin calling witnesses. Will it lead to concrete results?

Melissa finds that the investigation is taking a little longer and wants to set something up. So he starts calling witnesses because he longs for justice. He wants the truth to come out and that makes him feel stronger. In addition, he issued a subpoena for witnesses by filming a video where he was not covered. So he’s putting himself in danger, but he’s ready. And then, in this deep loneliness, Melissa is not alone. He meets Amber, James and Regis’ first victim.

What roles will Ines play (Maeva El Arus) and mo (Frederick Kamatar) in this story?

A lot of things. Ines is his best friend. Real support. He comforts and encourages her daily. Ines doesn’t want Melissa to quit.

Mo has a maternal side. There is something comforting about it. He gives Melissa hope through his testimony that he was able to overcome what he went through. It grew and grew old with its history. Moe is an important person to Melissa because she understands in her own flesh what she has been through. So Melissa finally manages to talk to the police. Without Mo, he would never have been able to speak. That’s what you have to remember.

Melissa and Enzo (Teilo Azais) start a love story, but this drama prompts him to break up with her. Is it possible to reconcile them?

Yes, because everything is possible in love. It is very beautiful in their relationship that there is no headache. That was their initial deal. As Melissa becomes a headache for the rest of her life, she keeps Enzo away because she doesn’t want to hurt him. He may also think that he cannot understand. However, the complete opposite will happen. We are going to transform a relationship that can appear light into a deeply sincere love. That’s what I find so great about their story.

How do you envision your character’s journey?

His journey is a struggle. Melissa is above all a fighter. He is willing to do anything to get away from her and let the truth come out.

In the era of the “me too” movement and the liberation of women’s speech, is it important to carry such a powerful plot on television?

Yes, it is important. This is a taboo fact of society that deserves to be emphasized. I think young women and young men should be careful, and when they need money, even more so. This is an important topic in our society along with many others. As an actress, as a woman, it’s important to me that we talk about it and that all these people are represented.

What message are you trying to convey through this plot?

I don’t feel a legitimate message because the story already speaks for itself. If I add anything, I’m afraid it will be redundant. The curtain opens on a delicate and taboo subject. I am thrilled when the audience’s emotions connect with Melissa’s character. This allows all victims to see that they are visible and not alone. Therefore, it is possible to read their suffering in this story. It’s completely cathartic. I’ve had a few testimonials from young women and that’s the most beautiful thing you can have as an actor.

So, have you gotten any feedback from the audience about your character?

Yes! I didn’t expect that at all. I have had no negative feedback, only positive. I’ve received testimonials from women who have gone through more or less the same thing as Melissa, and they say they feel better, that they are represented, and that they feel less alone. I also received comments from men who were disturbed by the story and Melissa. They told me that Melissa managed to bring them inside. These are very positive feedbacks that encouraged me on my way as a young actor. I want to thank them because it is spontaneous, lively and fun.

In addition, I would like to thank France Télévisions, all the teams and my playing partners, for being very respectful and listening. I knew I had hope for everyone. There were many delicacies. It was handled so well. It’s hard for me to say joy or happiness, because I didn’t laugh a lot on this set (laughs), but it was great. It was an incredible experience and a big thank you to them.

Is there a scene that particularly stood out to you or was difficult to play?

If we want to be as close to probability as possible, it certainly tries. All actors know this, because there is nothing trivial in the game. Nothing unusual.