Le Dossier Maldoror, a new feature film by Belgian filmmaker Fabrice du Welz, is inspired by the Dutroux cases, a child abuser convicted in 1996 of the rape and murder of young girls and teenagers in Charleroi, Belgium.
In this film, which skillfully combines fact and fiction, Anthony Bajon plays Paul Chartier, a young idealistic gendarme who joins the secret operation “Maldoror” dedicated to the surveillance of a suspected repeat offender. Faced with the dysfunctions of the police system, he alone embarks on a manhunt that plunges him into obsession.
Anthony Bajon: The role of responsibility
Fabrice du Welz immediately thought of Anthony Bajon for the role of his main character. During the promotion of Dossier Maldoror, the filmmaker told us:
“I was surprised by his interpretation in the film Cedric Kahn, prayer. Since then I have followed him in all his films. I always felt something powerful, very popular and at the same time very elegant about it. It does not belong to a chapel, it is not connected with any obedience. I think Anthony can play everything. I quickly thought of him for the role of Paul.
It turns out that at the time Manuel ChicheThe producer has just been working Ted brothers the fireplaceAnd he said, “Would you like to meet Anthony?” We met, we talked. I remember our first Zoom meeting very well. Then we saw each other in person and very quickly, we told him that we were going to make a film together.”
in turn Anthony Bajon specifies: “I was very honored that he offered me this role, he told me that he is Belgian and wants to make a film about the history that hurt Belgium.
This requires real engagement. First of all, I wanted to restore the trust in Fabrice and the Belgians to give me credibility in Carolo, trying to restore some dignity to the inhabitants of the region and to the Belgians, who are still distinguished by this work today.
Who should play Marc Dutro?
If Anthony Bajon intensely portrays the idealistic young gendarme, the role of the antagonist, Marcel Dedieu, brings an oppressive tension to the story. Inspired by Marc Dutroux, this complex and terrifying character was entrusted to Sergi López, whose casting was a crucial choice for the film, even though the actor changed during production.
When the project was announced in April 2022, Fabrice du Welz actually entrusted the role of Marcel Dedieu to his compatriot Benoit Polvorde, with whom he had already collaborated on Adoration and Inexorable.
Benoit Poelvorde
In the columns of the premiere, the director also confided: “My ambition is to make movies, so I’m sure the villain we’re trying to portray Benoit will be more like Frank Booth. blue velvet than Marc Dutroux.”
During our interview, Fabrice Du Welz It explains that Benoit Poelvorde Finally left the project due to personal reasons. Serge Lopez For his part, he was originally supposed to play a supporting character revolving around Dedie, representing two days of filming. After the departure of Poelvorde, the film director offered the Spanish actress to devote her features to the crime.
“I have known Sergi for ten years. At one time we almost made a film together, but in the end it didn’t happen. We promised each other that one day we would work together. I called Maldoror and he said: “I don’t have much, but if you want, I can offer you a small role. He was supposed to play one of the characters around Marcel Dedieu when Benoit was still attached to the film”.
Serge Lopez
And when Benoit left for various reasons, I said to myself: “I offered the role to Serge” and he immediately won. In the end, I found it easier. Because it is difficult for a Belgian actor to take on the responsibility of such a role and I totally respect that.
The responsibility of such a role is difficult for a Belgian actor.
Dutro’s case was far-fetched for the Spaniards. Serge is Catalan, far from all that. He had heard of it like everyone else, but he didn’t care: there was no responsibility or mental strain at all. And then Sergi is very simple. He took to the role immediately and the confrontation between the two was quite charming.
To me, Sergi is never as good as a villain. I think he has a pretty impressive telluric power because he has a very strong humanity. So when he puts himself in roles that serve evil, it’s always very impressive. We saw him Pan’s Labyrinth or inside Harry, a friend who wishes you luck. These are the roles that had a big impact on me.”
And in The Maldoror File, Sergi Lopez plays an impressive and terrifying ogre figure. A character that ends up being much closer to the real Mark Dutrus than the director wanted to do at the time. Benoit Poelvorde attached to the project. Therefore, the change of actor ultimately served the film as it emphasizes the realistic part of the feature film.
In the press kit, Fabrice du Welz points out: “I’m Tobe Hooper’s son, and I can’t help but think of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre when I think of the degenerates involved in the Dutroux case. And even I want to approach Marcel Dedieu’s character with realism. Serge Lopez giving him an almost fantastical power.”
The Maldoror File is currently in theaters.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
