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Omar Sy: “I’m Very Fond of Optimistic Characters”
Omar Sy scored his big break six years ago with the comedy “The Intouchables.” The film grossed 320 million euros worldwide, and in his homeland France, the son of a Senegalese father and a Mauritanian mother became the first black actor to win the César for Best Actor.
Hollywood soon came calling. There, Sy appeared in “X-Men” and “Jurassic World.” In France, he followed up with comedies like “Samba,” “Monsieur Chocolat” and “Two Is a Family.” Now, at 40, he appears in cinemas as a likeable conman in “Dr. Knock – A Doctor with Certain Side Effects.” [030] staff member Dieter Oßwald spoke with the actor.
Monsieur Sy, in your new film you play a medical charlatan who extracts money from his patients — how much do you trust doctors?
Sy: It’s been quite some time since I needed to see a doctor. But I have an excellent relationship with doctors and trust them completely.
And now the inevitable question: Have you ever given an interview without being asked about “The Intouchables”?
Sy: Of course, I still get asked about “The Intouchables” all the time, given its huge success. It really doesn’t bother me at all, I’m incredibly grateful for that film to this day. I’m certain my career wouldn’t have taken this form without it.
“The Intouchables” took in 320 million euros worldwide. Did you, as an actor, actually see any of those profits?
Sy: Don’t worry, I got my share! (Laughs)
Were there ever times when all that fame went to your head?
Sy: No, I’ve always tried to keep living a normal life and that’s worked out pretty well. If the audience loves your work so much, there’s really no reason to complain.
What interested you about the story of “Doctor Knock”?
Sy: The eponymous stage play is very famous in France. For me, it was a chance to appear in a film adaptation of an absolute classic. Such a character role is a new level for me as an actor.
You’ve appeared in Hollywood blockbusters like “Jurassic Park” and “X-Men” – did you miss the big trailers and swarms of assistants for actors on this smaller film?
Sy: Not at all. The job of acting always remains the same. Filming in France is much more comfortable for me though, because I can work in my native language.
You’re reluctant to talk about the topic of successful black actors because you think it’s outdated. Nonetheless, it’s surprising that “Doctor Knock” is so easily accepted in 1950s provincial France. Do you see that as a fairytale utopia?
Sy: Definitely, for us it was fascinating that in this little village every resident has their own quirks. That’s why we pose the question: Is having a different skin colour a greater difference than sporting a strange beard?
Once again, your Doctor Knock is a charismatic, likeable character. Wouldn’t you fancy playing a villain for a change?
Sy: Why not? If you’ve got a good script for me, send it my way. (Laughs) Overall though, I’m very fond of optimistic characters. The audience, too, prefers to see me in such roles rather than as a villain. In a world that’s as complicated and full of problems as ours, I enjoy spreading the message that pleasant things do exist.
Are you still nervous in front of the camera?
Sy: I’m less nervous in front of the camera than I am in the run up to a project. The weeks before the first day of shooting, I’m pretty excited. Once the clapperboard goes for the first time, it’s too late for nerves.
Your “X-Men” director Bryan Singer lost his job following accusations of sexual harassment. Your fellow countrywoman Catherine Deneuve sees the #MeToo movement as more of a witch hunt. How do you see it?
Sy: Discussions are always good. When people who feel they’ve been treated unjustly have their say, it can only help the cause.
You live in Hollywood – what do you miss most about France?
Sy: Luckily, I never really get the chance to miss anything about France. I regularly return home to visit family and friends. So I don’t suffer from homesickness in Hollywood.