Christopher Thompson is adapting Robert Merle‘s historical saga “Fortune de France” for France 2, which begins during the war of religion in the Périgord Noir in 1557. Nicolas Duvauchelle realizes his dream, in the role of the father of the family: finally playing in a historical series.
Published on 09/15/2024 10:08
Reading time: 3 min A family scene around Nicolas Duvauchelle in the series “Fortune de France”. (FRANCE TELEVISIONS)
French series that revisit the history of France are rare. Christopher Thompson adapts the Robert Merle saga for France 2 Fortune of Francewhich takes place in 1557 in the Périgord Noir, at a time when the War of Religion was raging between Catholics and Protestants.
The saga will stretch over several decades with, as patriarch, Nicolas Duvauchelle, a husband who prefers mass in French to that in Latin, father of 3 children who we will see grow up during the series. Playing in medieval period costume is a dream that the actor, a lover of French history, is making come true: “I’ve loved this for a very long time. It’s a passion that my father passed on to me. Maybe it’s because I’m from Picardy, a region where a lot has happened over the centuries.”
To play Jean De Siorac, Nicolas Duvauchelle notably changed his diction and gestures: “Not speaking like here with you, speaking much less quickly, in a more relaxed, more calm manner. The way of holding oneself too. There was really something that I liked.”
The first season of Fortune of France is also a love story between his character, a Protestant, and the woman he loves, a Catholic. “How will this couple get through a crisis of faith between them? Will they tear each other apart? Will they find each other again? Will there be a break-up? Basically, it’s very modern, it reminds us of the somewhat dark period we’re living through at the moment with two Frances, back to back, or face to face.”
We wonder about this meeting between a Protestant and a Catholic. And it is there that we discover a little-known side of Nicolas Duvauchelle: “There’s a scene where I remember seeing her at her window and asking her father to marry me. Like me! I asked my wife’s father too, in real life. That’s how it used to be done and that’s how it’s done, I think. And then, of course, asking my wife.”
Fortune of France with Nicolas Duvauchelle, a historical saga to discover from Sunday September 15 on France 2.
What themes does “Fortune de France” explore in relation to the War of Religion in France?
Table of Contents
“Fortune de France”: A Historical Saga Reborn on France 2
In a rare and exciting adaptation, Christopher Thompson is bringing Robert Merle’s epic “Fortune de France” to life on France 2, a historical saga that delves into the tumultuous period of the War of Religion in 1557’s Périgord Noir. With Nicolas Duvauchelle at the helm, playing the patriarch of the family, this series promises to transport viewers back in time to an era of conflict and passion.
A Dream Role for Nicolas Duvauchelle
For Nicolas Duvauchelle, playing Jean De Siorac, the father of three, is a dream come true. A self-proclaimed lover of French history, Duvauchelle’s passion for the subject was instilled in him by his father. Hailing from Picardy, a region steeped in history, Duvauchelle was drawn to this role like a magnet. “I’ve loved this for a very long time. It’s a passion that my father passed on to me. Maybe it’s because I’m from Picardy, a region where a lot has happened over the centuries.”
To fully immerse himself in the character, Duvauchelle underwent a transformation, changing his diction and gestures to fit the medieval period. “Not speaking like here with you, speaking much less quickly, in a more relaxed, more calm manner. The way of holding oneself too. There was really something that I liked.” This attention to detail is sure to transport viewers to a bygone era.
A Love Story Amidst Conflict
At its core, ”Fortune de France” is a love story between Jean De Siorac, a Protestant, and the woman he loves, a Catholic. The first season explores the challenges they face as a couple amidst the crisis of faith between them. “How will this couple get through a crisis of faith between them? Will they tear each other apart? Will they find each other again? Will there be a break-up? Basically, it’s very modern, it reminds us of the somewhat dark period we’re going through today.”
A Rare and Ambitious Project
Historical series that revisit the history of France are few and far between, making “Fortune de France” a rare and ambitious project. By adapting Robert Merle’s saga, Christopher Thompson and France 2 are offering viewers a unique glimpse into a pivotal moment in French history. With its rich costumes, intricate sets, and talented cast, this series promises to captivate audiences and leave them wanting more.
A Glimpse into the Past
“Fortune de France” is more than just a historical drama; it’s an exploration of the human experience. By delving into the past, the series sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us. As Nicolas Duvauchelle so aptly put it, “It reminds us of the somewhat dark period we’re going through today.” This timely reflection on history serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding our collective past.
Conclusion
With its rich history, stunning costumes, and talented cast, “Fortune de France” is an unmissable series that promises to transport viewers back in time. Nicolas Duvauchelle shines as Jean De Siorac, bringing to life a character that is both relatable and intriguing. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to revisit a pivotal moment in French history and experience the passion, conflict, and love that defined an era.
Keywords: Fortune de France, France 2, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Christopher Thompson, Robert Merle, War of Religion, Périgord Noir, Historical Drama, French History, Medieval Period, Protestant, Catholic, Love Story, Historical Series.
What are the main themes explored in “Fortune de France”?
Unveiling the Epic Saga: “Fortune de France” and its Exploration of the War of Religion in 16th Century France
In the midst of a surge in historical dramas on French television, Christopher Thompson’s adaptation of Robert Merle’s “Fortune de France” for France 2 is set to captivate audiences with its gripping narrative, rich characters, and meticulous attention to historical detail. The series, which premiered on September 15, 2024, delves into the tumultuous era of the War of Religion in 16th century France, a period marked by brutal conflict between Catholics and Protestants.
A Family Saga Amidst the Turmoil
At the heart of the series is the story of Jean de Siorac, a Protestant father of three, played by Nicolas Duvauchelle, who has always dreamed of starring in a historical drama. Set in the picturesque region of Périgord Noir in 1557, the show follows the Siorac family as they navigate the treacherous landscape of religious strife, love, and loyalty. As the patriarch, Jean de Siorac, Duvauchelle brings to life a complex character who must confront the harsh realities of war while struggling to maintain his family’s unity and faith.
The War of Religion: A Backdrop of Intolerance and Bloodshed
The series provides a unique lens through which to explore the War of Religion, a period of intense sectarian violence that ravaged France from 1562 to 1598. The conflict, sparked by the Protestant Reformation, pitted Catholics against Protestants, leading to massacres, assassinations, and widespread destruction. Against this backdrop of intolerance and bloodshed, “Fortune de France” probes the human cost of war, the fragility of relationships, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Interfaith Love and the Crisis of Faith
One of the most compelling aspects of the series is its portrayal of interfaith love, a theme that resonates with modern audiences. Jean de Siorac, a Protestant, falls deeply in love with a Catholic woman, raising questions about the feasibility of their relationship in a time of great religious division. This storyline serves as a powerful metaphor for the conflicts that arise when individuals from different faith backgrounds attempt to reconcile their differences.
Nicolas Duvauchelle’s Transformation into Jean de Siorac
To fully immerse himself in the role, Duvauchelle underwent a significant transformation, altering his diction, gestures, and even his way of thinking. He drew inspiration from his own family’s history, citing his father’s passion for French history as a driving force behind his performance. The actor’s dedication to authenticity is evident in every frame, making his portrayal of Jean de Siorac both nuanced and compelling.
Conclusion
“Fortune de France” is a sweeping historical saga that not only sheds light on a pivotal moment in French history but also explores the universal themes of love, loyalty, and faith. With its rich characters, meticulously researched settings, and gripping narrative, this series is poised to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression on the world of French television.
Key Takeaways:
“Fortune de France” is a historical drama series adapted from Robert Merle’s novel of the same name.
The series is set in 16th century France during the War of Religion between Catholics and Protestants.
Nicolas Duvauchelle stars as Jean de Siorac, a Protestant father of three, in a performance that required significant research and transformation.
The show explores the themes of interfaith love, the crisis of faith, and the human cost of war.
* “Fortune de France” premiered on France 2 on September 15, 2024, and is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and French television.
