I always say I was born too late in the world, too old.
I'm not a movie star like other actors in the way that I need to walk with a bodyguard.
It's not only imagination, it's the distortion of the vision. You suddenly think, This person is idealistic, this person is strong, this person has dreams, when you know better most of the time. You put what you want to see on people.
I'm French - it's less important. Meaning, I remain a Frenchman in America, but I adapt to American culture. I feel good there - but I'm still a foreigner.
My father was champion of North Africa and he beat the European champ. He was very good, a professional for 12 years. We're from a big family of boxers. My father has seven brothers.
People sometimes recognize me here, but they are very nice.
But what I really like are old Hollywood movies. Very often I watch AMC.
The big difference with Juliette and the others in that film is that she goes beyond acting.
There are two smells that I can recognize right away. The smell of the boxing ring and the smell of a garage. That's where I grew up. I can recognize these places with my eyes closed.
But when you work with the director and the real person who is playing opposite you, it changes everything. You are almost in a working session. I was very comfortable, and that's maybe what helped me to get the part.
The first time Adrian saw me was on tape. But you should know that this never works - never in the history of movies has someone been cast from a video.
And I think it is the genius of actors to be able to escape whatever people are expecting of them. Otherwise you become like a factory worker.