Claude Meunier recently confided in Sophie Durocher and Richard Martineau as part of a podcast episode Spicy aperitif. He opened up regarding his relationship with his friend and colleague, Serge Theriault.
The actor took care to mention to his interlocutors that he never supported the film Outside Serge Outside.
“I’ve missed him for a long time”
« without being fake [le documentaire] represented only 5% of the pie. Serge’s case is much more complex than that. […] I miss Serge. I’ve missed him for a long time. We missed him, even if we were next to him because Serge was already isolated, in his head and his problems “, mentioned Claude Meunier.
« It’s not that I didn’t like [le film], but it was incomplete. It was pretentious to present it as a portrait of Serge or a portrait of Serge’s state, when it’s much more complicated than that. The big criticism, for me, is the end of the film which is completely false. He went into treatment, but it didn’t last “, he added.
Remember that Serge Thériault is currently going through extremely difficult times. For six years, he has not left his home due to a major depression. In order to help him, his wife, Anna Suazo decided to make a documentary called Outside Serge Outside.
In an interview with Jean-Marie Lapointe, Ms. Suazo shared: “ People who don’t know true love and magnanimity don’t see the real beauty in life. I accepted, because my hope is that Serge will come back to us. There are a lot of bad comments regarding Serge’s depression, it’s sad and depressing. I know I do this out of love and with all my heart for the great purpose of helping. Serge gave me what I have most beautiful in life: my daughter. I can’t let him go, let him down, when he gave me the strength to keep on living ».
Let us remember all the more that in the film, Anna is accompanied by Melina Theriault (his daughter) as well as a couple of friends, Robert and Jolande Racicot. The four appear in the documentary, as they have been Serge’s greatest helpers since his dark period began.
In the overwhelming trailer, Suazo expresses himself with impressive control over his emotions: Serge, it’s going to hurt you when you watch this movie. It’s to help you that I do it and out of love too ».
Then, she later shares a bit of conversation she had with the actor: “ He said to me, “Anna, what do you want me to do? I don’t have the energy to work, I don’t feel like showing myself in front of the public, in front of people. […] there is something in me that blocks me, that does not let me do it” ».
Anna’s admirable and poignant courage touches us deeply. Not only does she not give up, but takes incredible measures to help the man in her life. Although the project was designed specifically as a way to support the star, the film will undoubtedly bring Quebecers great relief, like balm to our hearts. A work which, we hope, will open the eyes of many and raise awareness of the situation.
Depression is not to be taken lightly. If you or a loved one suffers from the disease, do not hesitate to talk regarding it.
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