Valérie, when you were given this documentary project, did you really wish you were younger?
Valerie Bonneton: It was more the idea of taking care of yourself and also benefiting from experiences that aren’t given to everyone. I grew up with the idea that if you eat well, you actually live better. There were health problems in my family, and I looked into those nutritional issues to fix things. I find that there are very beneficial changes. I also really want to go to Costa Rica or India, to certain areas (say “blue zone”, number five in the world, editor’s note) to meet all the centenarians living there so old and happy.
After four months of experience and meetings, can you tell us what is the secret to staying young and fit?
Valerie: Clear, for me, it’s fasting. After going on a five-day retreat in Périgord, without food, where I told myself I would never survive, I felt fifteen years younger. I have one amazing catch! All these centenarians in Costa Rica eat almost no meat, do not drink alcohol, with a few exceptions. They are also happy, stress free. That helps to live old and better.
Alfred de Montesquiou: For me, the key is good nutrition. I learned it while making films and I adopted and integrated these good manners, then, into my everyday life. I find that I sleep better, that I am in better shape, that I have more energy.
Have you applied what you have learned in your daily life?
Alfred: Me, I’m still a vegetarian, and I gave up dairy products.
Valerie: Yes, Alfred has changed. He lost 10 pounds. But early in the film, he said to me:Me, I don’t have time, I go to McDo…“
Alfred: I live on charcuterie and bidoche…
To tame each other, before filming together, did you have a good last dinner?
Alfred: No, we ended up in a comfortable hotel in La Rochelle, with the entire film crew. But they have a great restaurant! And Valérie and I, we were both left alone, with some of the vegetable stock she had prepared. Casually, it creates a bond to hunger together! To occupy our minds, we play chess.
What are you continuing to do, after this shoot, to make it go as well as possible?
Valerie: Lots of meditation. I’ve done it a bit before, but I’m growing convinced of its benefits.
And after four months in which both of you were followed by specialists, and in which you carried out all possible medical tests, are you truly rejuvenated?
Valerie: You will find out by watching the movie all the way through!
Seeking eternal youth (M6): Thursday October 13 at 9:10 pm on M6
Frédérick Rapilly interview
