In “Seul”, a television event film by France 2, Samuel Le Bihan plays the role of a navigator with an extraordinary destiny.
Alone is a TV movie by France 2, broadcast on Monday 4 November 2024 from 9.05pm to 9.00pm. Brought to you by Samuel and Bihanthe 1 hour 40 minute biopic is based on the true story of sailor Yves Parlier, who entered the Vendée Globe in 2000. When this experienced sailor embarked on the solo race around the world, he realized his lifelong dream. But that will still turn into a nightmare when Parlier breaks its mainmast in the open sea. An incredible fight will begin to complete the legendary regatta, despite everything, thanks to an unshakable determination.
Alonedirected by Pierre Isoard, it offers Samuel Le Bihan one of the most intense roles of his career. Far from the landscapes ofAlex Ugo in the Alps, the actor invested body and soul in the character of Yves Parlier and camouflaged himself in the immensity, but also in the hostility of the ocean. A “real” cinematographic environment, due to the lack of budget, which pushed him to the limit, as he confided during the presentation of the film at the last Monte-Carlo Television Festival and to various media.
For almost a month and a half, from April to May 2023, the actor performed a series of grueling scenes, shot mainly in Brittany and the Pays de la Loire, as close to the ocean as possible. A challenge for those who say they found themselves “dazed” several times during filming. “It was very tiring!”, revealed Samuel Le Bihan to Télé Loisirs. “First, I lost 10 kilos for the role, and I was in a state of extreme exhaustion that fed the character. I was so involved in the game that I was nothing more than that.”
Samuel Le Bihan also told the media that he watched others eat while he had to “make do with almost nothing”, the better to portray a Parlier who deprived himself of food for weeks. In addition to a feeling of isolation (“because I couldn’t, for example, go and have a beer with the team”), he specifies to the newspaper L’Equipe that he ingested “1000 calories a day” at the time, which is “very little.”
If the actor, son of a Norman and a Breton woman, learned to go sailing with his fisherman father, he also admits on Télé7Jours that he suffered from seasickness and even spent an entire day vomiting. “It was nothing but trials,” he concludes. “If you want to have as many problems as possible, go make a film at sea! Since we didn’t have the means to shoot in the studio, we only worked with reality. We were too hot, too cold… We were adapting to the weather, but we were exhausted.”
This total immersion was not without consequences. “If you’re on a diet you’re always hungry, you’re tired […]. It took me several weeks to get over it. I was exhausted morally, physically”, assures Samuel Le Bihan. Further proof of his investment Alonehe also appears transformed in the first images revealed by France 2. With a scraggly beard and emaciated face, scars from this intense effort, the actor seems inhabited by his character, which echoes that of Alex Hugo. Equally free, solitary and above all determined.
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Cinematic Expert: Samuel Marcel
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re diving into the captivating world of television drama with a special focus on the much-anticipated film Alone, directed by Pierre Isoard. I’m thrilled to have Samuel Marcel, an expert in film and television studies, here with us to discuss the narrative and production intricacies of this project. Samuel, thank you for joining us!
Samuel Marcel (SM): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to talk about Alone. It’s a film that offers a rich tapestry of adventure and human determination.
TNE: Let’s start with the premise. Based on the true story of sailor Yves Parlier, Alone chronicles the challenges he faced during the Vendée Globe in 2000. What makes this particular story so compelling for audiences today?
SM: The story is gripping because it embodies the classic struggle of man against nature. Yves Parlier’s journey is not only about sailing but also about resilience and survival amidst overwhelming odds. In an age where many feel disconnected from the natural world, his story resonates deeply—showing that determination can lead one through even the darkest storms.
TNE: Samuel Le Bihan plays Yves Parlier. His approach to embodying such an intense character must have posed unique challenges. What do you think of the physical and emotional demands this role presents?
SM: Le Bihan’s commitment is commendable. The physical transformation—losing 10 kilos in preparation—displays how deeply he immersed himself into the role. Physicality in a character ties into the emotional nuances of the story. Navigating the vast ocean while contending with personal fears adds a profound layer to what could easily be just another adventure tale.
TNE: Beyond the personal struggles, how do you think the portrayal of such a real-life event impacts viewers’ perceptions of sailing and adventure?
SM: It certainly humanizes the risks associated with extreme sports. Many viewers romanticize the idea of sailing around the world, but this film strips away the glamor, showcasing the harsh realities of the sport. It also draws attention to the emotional resilience required—not just the technical skills. This dichotomy could inspire deeper appreciation and also caution among aspiring sailors.
TNE: The setting in Brittany and the Pays de la Loire adds to the authenticity of the film. How important is location in enhancing a narrative like this?
SM: Location is crucial, especially in a story closely tied to nature. Brittany’s rugged coastlines and the Loire’s beauty create a stark backdrop that mirrors Yves’s internal struggles. They become characters in themselves, intensifying the film’s emotional stakes. Audiences can almost feel the rawness of the ocean’s power, which is vital for immersion in the story.
TNE: Samuel Le Bihan mentioned the lack of budget leading to creative filming constraints. How do you think this affected the overall quality of the production?
SM: Limited budgets often push filmmakers to innovate. Necessity breeds creativity, and sometimes constraints can lead to uniquely engaging storytelling. In this case, it seems to have enhanced the film’s authenticity, forcing actors and crew to work diligently under conditions that mirror the movie’s themes of struggle and perseverance. This could elevate the narrative experience for viewers, making it feel more visceral.
TNE: As we anticipate the broadcast on November 4th, what are your hopes for Alone?
SM: I hope it captures not just the journey of a sailor but the spirit of human determination in the face of adversity. If it can inspire even a fraction of the audience to explore the world beyond their screens, or to reflect on their own resilience, then it will be a success.
TNE: Thank you, Samuel, for shedding light on this riveting film! We look forward to experiencing Alone and seeing how it resonates with audiences across the globe.
SM: Thank you! I’m sure it will be a journey worth embarking on.