In Une Chance sur Deux, Patrice Leconte unites a shocking trio: Vanessa Paradis, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Alain Delon. The first seeks her father, the second and third are the possibilities. Le Figaro meets all three, posing the same questions to each. Their responses will follow each other over the course of three days. Today, Vanessa Paradis.

This film is a match between the three of you, who leaves the winner, after you?

All three of us!

You have courageously accepted a difficult undertaking, to act alongside two cinematic idols. Intimidating?

Yes, the first time I met them, because they brought with them so much history. When I started to act alongside them, it was much easier. They are just, they have so much talent and experience that things become natural.

Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo parody themselves. Did you find them ridiculous?

The fact that they both made fun of their legends wholeheartedly shows that they have a real sense of humor. If you play the game half-assed, that's when you have the risk of being ridiculous.

Une Chance sur Deux has fun with the topic of generations, of ages. Is it hard to age?

At the moment, it's rather pleasant. I approach life healthier, more serenely, without losing innocence or momentum.

Was there a scene you hesitated to film?

Yes, the one where I fly in a helicopter. I have a huge fear of it. True martyrdom! But you make films to push yourself harder. On the other hand, I loved driving race cars at two hundred miles per hour. I trained for it. I took a course on the Beltoise circuit.

What convinced you to act alongside Delon and Belmondo?

That I would be witness to a powerful reunion.

Was there a rivalry between you guys?

Oh, no. I had a privileged place. They were very attentive, protective. They weren't a bloody nuisance, and I don't think I gave them reasons to complain about me.

What are the qualities that you appreciate in Alain Delon?

He is intense and attentive.

In Jean-Paul Belmondo?

His joy for life is contagious.

What are the faults that most exasperated you with Delon??

(laughs) His dog, he terrorized me.

And Belmondo? His Yorkshires?

(laughs) He loves to be surrounded. It's difficult to have a real conversation.

Do you like Alain Delon? Jean-Paul Belmondo?

(laughs) I don't have any reason to dislike them! With all that was said about their supposed rivalry, their mudslinging, everyone on set expected nothing but glares. With a lot of humor, things went in the direction of friendship.

In the face of Delon and Belmondo, did you want to play the little girl or the little flirt?

I am very respectful of conquered territory. They have two exceptional wives. I don't think lightly of that. Now, if they were not married...

Did you have problems on set?

No, but that's happened on other sets.

Do you like Patrice Leconte's work?

You'd have to be an idiot to make a film with him if you did not like his work, which is very eclectic. That's very obvious with films like The Bronzes, Mr. Hire, The Hairdresser's Husband. It gives you the impression that they were done by many different directors, not just one.

What does he bring to French cinema?

Good humor, good ideas, good encounters.

And you?

This is just my fourth film. You'll see in a few years!

And Delon?

Cop films and his beauty.

And Belmondo?

Comedies with strong characters

You had a bomb with Witch Way Love, how did you survive?

It reinforced to me that I should be very careful in choosing scripts...

Une Chance sur Deux, is it a way of getting back on the horse?

I wasn't under the impression that I'd been thrown off!

Is this your last film with Delon and Belmondo?

Who knows?

Will there be a sequel?

No. TV is made for that, for serial episode.

So what's next for you, film wise?

I am delighted to be in the next Patrice Leconte film, The Girl on the Bridge, with Jean-Pierre Marielle. Another story, another atmosphere.

And music wise?

I'm working on my next album.