MovieChat Forums > Le premier cercle (2009) Discussion > Only two Armenians in the entire cast?

Only two Armenians in the entire cast?

posted 12 years ago by itssosublime
3 replies | jump to latest

I'm not judging the film or the filmmakers here, but I was somewhat surprised that a movie which is based on an Armenian crime family only managed to cast two Armenian actors - according to the full cast list. Certainly some of the female actors could have different surnames, but Armenians tend to marry within, so I doubt that could be much of a factor. I have yet to see it and certainly plan to, but I was wondering if this is/was an issue with anyone (esp. of Armenian decent) in terms of the representation of culture, etc. Jean Reno certainly could pass for Armenian and with his skill set I wouldn't be surprised to know he was completely authentic. But what about some of the other major players? Just curious...as an Armenian.

[–] derbycityusa 10 years ago

First and foremost my friend you must remember, it doesn't matter whether you are Armenian or not, curiosity will kill your pussy!

Now, to answer your question, the production crew initially wanted to cast only Armenians, in the movie.

However, when the producers made the Armenian troupe a financial offer "they could not refuse", all but two did just that!

[–] derbycityusa 10 years ago

[–] spookyrat1 9 years ago

I was wondering if this is/was an issue with anyone (esp. of Armenian decent) in terms of the representation of culture, etc.

The family are supposed to be the descendants of Armenian Genocide refugee survivors from 1915. After a century living there they were well and truly integrated into French culture from what we see in this film.🐭