Thibaut, a renowned conductor, embarks on a self-discovery journey after discovering he was adopted, leading him to his brother Jimmy, a cafeteria worker and passionate trombone player in northern France. Their contrasting lives intertwine through music, prompting Thibaut to inspire a brighter future for Jimmy. The film “Fanfare,” directed by Emmanuel Courcol, balances humor and serious themes, showcasing the brothers’ heartfelt connection. Behind-the-scenes insights reveal the actors’ dedication to authentically portraying their musical roles.
Discover the Heartwarming Story
Thibaut, an acclaimed conductor known across the globe, embarks on a journey of self-discovery after learning of his adoption. This revelation leads him to his brother, Jimmy, who works in a school cafeteria and shares his passion for music as a trombone player in a brass band in northern France. Despite their different lifestyles, a deep bond forms between them through their shared love of music. Recognizing Jimmy’s extraordinary musical talent, Thibaut feels compelled to change his brother’s fate, igniting a dream of a brighter future for Jimmy.
The film “Fanfare” captures the audience’s emotions with its compelling narrative. Set against the backdrop of northern France, the story introduces us to two brothers, portrayed by Pierre Lottin and Benjamin Lavernhe, whose contrasting paths lead to an endearing connection. Their journey is both touching and heartfelt.
“Fanfare” masterfully blends the elements of a feel-good film while tackling serious themes like illness and social struggles. Director Emmanuel Courcol strikes a remarkable balance between humor and poignant moments, making it a film that resonates deeply.
As viewers engage with the film, a question often arises: Can Benjamin Lavernhe truly conduct an orchestra? And did Pierre Lottin genuinely learn to play the trombone? Here’s what the actors shared during our Club AlloCiné session on November 6:
“Preparing to conduct an orchestra is no small feat,” states Benjamin Lavernhe. “I aimed to portray a credible conductor on screen, ensuring that professionals wouldn’t doubt my authenticity. A significant amount of work went into this.”
“Emmanuel Courcol introduced me to the film’s musical advisor, Antoine Dutaillis. His guidance was invaluable as I navigated the musical scenes, finding the right cues and gestures. The challenge was immense, especially since I don’t read music.”
Pierre Lottin also shared his experience: “I’ve played piano for years but only learned the trombone for three months. My skills weren’t perfect, but in a brass band, the collective sound can mask individual imperfections.”
Emmanuel Courcol provided further insights in the press kit: “Benjamin has a natural ear for music and is quite talented across various instruments. He just needed to practice to create an illusion of expertise.”
Behind the Scenes of the Musical Journey
“Benjamin underwent extensive coaching for several months, culminating in on-set training with Antoine Dutaillis, a brilliant conductor. His dedication was evident as he practiced the scores and gestures meticulously. Conducting is akin to driving a Formula 1 car; there’s no room for error. During filming, he genuinely conducted, and any mistakes could lead to a misstep from the orchestra, with some musicians even complimenting his skills!”
On the topic of the brass band, the director remarked: “I initially sought actors who could also play music. It was crucial that the audience couldn’t distinguish between professional actors and real brass band musicians. I value harmony both on screen and behind the scenes.”
Excitingly, a behind-the-scenes feature focusing on the musical elements of the film is in the works and is expected to be included in the DVD/Blu-Ray release, following the film’s theatrical debut.