Laureen, a young 27-year-old actress from Burgundy, opens the doors to us on her journey rich in challenges and achievements. Between theater, cinema and photography, she genuinely shares her inspirations, her projects and the learnings that have marked her artistic path.
First of all, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey as an actress?
My name is Laureen, I am 27 years old and I am originally from Burgundy. Since I was a child, the world of cinema has fascinated me, but it was primarily in writing and directing that I saw myself evolve. The taste for the game came later, at a time when I could not afford to go to film school. So it was quite natural that I chose Les Cours Florent, an almost mythical school for those who grow up in the provinces. I passed the entrance exam with the intention of doing a first year of theater, then branching out into cinema. But theater was a real revelation for me.
My journey has certainly been full of doubts, but each step has brought me closer to my passion. Arriving in Paris at the age of 19, all alone, without ever leaving my small provincial town, was an immense challenge. At the time, I never imagined that I would one day play the role of La Reine de la Nuit at the Opéra Garnier, or that I would be able to play alongside giants like Monica Bellucci or Laure Calamy. Today, I am more determined than ever to make my voice heard.
What prompted you to choose the dual degree in cinema and theater at Cours Florent?
I chose the dual course cinema and theater at Cours Florent because I think it is essential to be “multi-skilled” in the field of performing arts. Theater taught me to be in direct contact with the audience, to control my body and my voice. Cinema, on the other hand, opened me up to visual storytelling, to the importance of image and editing. I believe that these two practices feed on each other, and being trained both on stage and in front of the camera has given me a freedom of expression that I find indispensable.
How did you go from comedy to photo modeling?
I don't really consider myself to be a model, but I think that mastering the pose is essential when you're an actress. Knowing how to pose allows you to obtain precise photographs, which reflect a particular atmosphere or emotion, and which can be an asset in the context of an application or an audition.
Among your experiences Brave Monkey, were there any projects that particularly impressed you?
The project that impressed me the most in theater with my company is undoubtedly Al Di Là Della Montagna. We had the chance to go and play this piece in Italy, and it was an unforgettable experience. One of the major challenges of this adventure was that I had to learn to play in Italian, even though I didn't speak the language at all at the time. This experience allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and to strengthen my love for theater and collective creation.
Between cinema, theater and photography, in which of these worlds do you feel most at ease?
Cinema is still my first love. As an actress, cinema allows me to act in a very intimate way, to explore emotions and characters with fascinating precision. But what I also like is the possibility of going beyond the game, by being interested in writing and directing. Cinema is at the crossroads of all my artistic passions.
What challenges did you encounter working as an actress?
The biggest challenge today is clearly making a name for yourself and winning contracts. Many of us want to work in film, and the competition is fierce. It is an environment where you must constantly renew yourself, be perseverant, and above all know how to seize the right opportunities when they present themselves.
For your photo collaborations, what styles or themes inspire you the most?
When shooting, what I particularly like is playing on the androgynous side. It is a dimension that I find fascinating. Androgyny makes it possible to blur the boundaries between genres, explore different styles, and create images that are both powerful and mysterious.
What personalities or works particularly inspire you?
The person who inspires me the most in the movie business is without hesitation Xavier Dolan. I deeply admire his work, his unique artistic vision and his ability to combine sensitivity and power in his films. He manages to create complex, deeply human characters, while offering an unforgettable cinematic aesthetic. For me, Dolan embodies the ideal of creative freedom, of daring youth.
Is there a director you would love to collaborate with?
For all the reasons mentioned above, I would love to collaborate with Xavier Dolan. The idea of being directed by him, of playing a role in one of his films, would be a real highlight for me. It would represent a personal and artistic achievement, a challenge that lives up to my ambitions.
What are your short or medium term goals?
In comedy, I would really like to get more and more important roles, and especially to be able to defend strong characters who convey committed messages. My goal is to play roles that highlight important social or personal issues, and thus be able to reach the audience in a more profound way.
Is there a role that would represent, for you, an artistic achievement?
To play the role of an inspiring female personality in a biopic would be a real artistic achievement for me. This project would allow me to combine both art and commitment, by giving life to an iconic figure who carries a strong and motivating message.
What advice would you give to a young artist who wants to follow a similar path?
I will quote Xavier Dolan: “Anything can happen to anyone who dares, dreams, works and never gives up.” The road will be full of pitfalls, but it is in the audacity to take risks, in the energy devoted to one's work and in perseverance in the face of difficulties that we find the key to success. You have to believe in yourself, push the limits, and above all, never give up.
Laureen Morlin — Actress • Paris
Portfolio: laureenmcomedienne.bookfolio.fr
