Leïla Bekhti mesmerizes in “My Mother, God, and Sylvie Vartan,” portraying Esther, a determined mother navigating the challenges of raising her son Roland, who is born with a clubfoot. The film, based on Roland Perez’s autobiographical novel, spans decades and showcases the profound bond between mother and child. Bekhti underwent a significant transformation to depict Esther at various ages, dedicating hours to makeup and prosthetics, resulting in a striking portrayal that even surprised co-star Sylvie Vartan.
Leïla Bekhti’s Role in “My Mother, God, and Sylvie Vartan”
Leïla Bekhti is captivating audiences in Ken Scott’s latest film, “My Mother, God, and Sylvie Vartan.” This cinematic adaptation is based on Roland Perez’s autobiographical novel, unfolding a heartfelt narrative that spans half a century, starting from 1963.
In the film, Bekhti portrays Esther, a devoted mother who gives birth to Roland, the youngest child in a large family. Roland is born with a clubfoot, a condition that hinders his ability to stand. Despite the skepticism of those around her, Esther vows to her son that he will walk like everyone else. From that moment, she commits herself to fulfilling that promise, navigating through decades filled with both challenges and miracles. The film showcases a poignant, humorous, and deeply emotional journey that highlights the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.
The Transformation Process for Leïla Bekhti
In the film, adult Roland is portrayed by Jonathan Cohen, while Bekhti brings to life Esther from her 30s to 85 years of age. This required Bekhti to undergo a remarkable physical transformation. During her appearance on the Grand Écran show, she revealed the extensive efforts involved in creating her character, including multiple fittings with prosthetists and makeup artists to accurately depict Esther at various ages.
Each day, Bekhti dedicated four hours to the makeup chair, ensuring the prosthetics were perfectly applied. “We conducted numerous tests before finalizing the right look,” she explained. “It was quite an experience, especially since I had to stay still and not laugh when Jonathan kept playfully pinching my cheeks!”
Beyond the physical appearance, Bekhti faced the challenge of embodying the character’s essence. She drew inspiration from her beloved grandmother, recalling their close relationship. “The makeup artist and prosthetist helped me believe in the physical reality of Esther,” she shared. “The real task was to delve into her character—how she spoke, moved, and ultimately, how to convey her spirit.” This approach allowed Bekhti to connect deeply with Esther, making her portrayal all the more authentic.
The effectiveness of this transformation was evident when Sylvie Vartan, who plays a significant role in the film, met Bekhti on set. Vartan initially did not recognize her, remarking on how strikingly convincing Bekhti looked as an elderly woman. “When I first encountered her on set, I had no idea who she was!” Vartan recalled, while Bekhti humorously noted her surprise at the lack of recognition.
“My Mother, God, and Sylvie Vartan” is now showing in theaters, inviting audiences to experience this touching tale of love, resilience, and the extraordinary bond between a mother and her child.