Le Mort de Realite
by Michel Francois
Of all the directors who promised me a copy of the film, Michel swore the loudest that I could depend on him. Even at the time I "feared he doth protest too much." I never got a copy.

Just like any actor, I see a notice on an Internet audition site that looks like my kind of part and I forward my photo and resume. But this time, I get a call that I'm selected for a part in a movie, "Le Mort de Realite," no audition, just a shoot date. I'm told it's a play in many small parts, and all parts are about equal. That is all I know. And I go. The part - I'm a mother walking my baby in a stroller through the park. Sure, I can do that. I'm an actress. I've been trained. I'm a professional. First the crew gathers to discuss the shot. Director Michel Francois, is holding the camera. We're in Golden Gate Park by the duck pond at the Arboretum. So far, so good.
I get my directions -- walk with the baby past that park bench where this young lady is sitting. Cool. I can do that. Oh, wait, no baby! We find a baby and dad; he agrees and we're off. On one of the 3 takes, I keep walking; I haven't heard "Cut!" And I keep walking and I keep walking. I'm a professional. I cross the bridge over the pond. Maybe the camera is tracking. Can't ruin a shot. Finally, "Cut." Dad is standing at the bridge with a look of terror on his face. He gives baby a big hug when I come back over the bridge, and we do another take.

Michel was a pleasure to work with. So much for french stereotypes. I'd love to see who else was in the film. I was told my copy was on the way. That was over a year ago. My scene couldn't have been more than one minute. I still assume it was pivotal. Well, I did my shot and was out of there in about two hours all told. A days work, and another page on my web site.

C'est tout, c'est tres simple, c'est fini.

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