Actress Bianca Cuculici, MMXX movie: "Working with director Cristi Puiu is like you’re on a missio of becoming."

The most recent film by Cristi Puiu, MMXX, is currently playing in cinemas throughout Romania. Recently lauded by the International Cinéphile Society as “bewildering, captivating, fun, and wonderfully played,” the film premiered globally in the official competition of the San Sebastian International Film Festival. It has already embarked on an impressive festival journey, securing official selections in Zurich, Warsaw, Cottbus, Rio de Janeiro, Montreal, Thessaloniki, Lisbon, Trieste, Vilnius, and Goa. Business Review had the opportunity to interview actress Bianca Cuculici to uncover the behind-the-scenes insights.

With Cristi Puiu’s signature situational humor and a generous dose of candor, MMXX (representing the year 2020 in Roman numerals) “plunges us directly into the lives of its characters, rejecting convenient clues and allowing us to navigate its often intricately layered maze of elusive meanings” (Screen International). The film unfolds four brief moments in time that capture the meanderings of souls trapped at the crossroads of history.

Tell us more about your character. In what ways does she diverge from the initial conception crafted during the workshop compared to her portrayal on screen?

Initially, I was not supposed to play the therapist in the first scene. During the workshop, I worked on the scenario of the second scene. So, when I started shooting the therapist scene I had no idea how will the character fit in both scenes. But after the first scene was shot, we talked about turning Oana Pfeifer into a therapist, without adding any other information than was already in the text, just one single mention.

Can you elaborate on the role of workshops organized by Dragos Bucur and Dorian Boguta at Acting for Film Schoola in recruiting you for MMXX?

When we began the workshop that Dragos Bucur and Dorian Boguta organized at their school for film acting, we had no idea that MMXX will be the final result because the movie was born inside the workshop. The workshop with Cristi Puiu lasted for 3 weeks in which he let us be part of his whole artistic process in creating a film.

In what ways does the collaboration between Cristi Puiu and the participants from the workshop impact the authenticity and depth of the performances in MMXX?

The biggest form of authenticity comes from the fact that the participants were able to take part on writing the scenarios for each scene and later play the characters written for them. This kind of collaboration between the director and actors is the most benefic one because it is easier to approach a character based and created for yourself than any other written character.

What does the collaboration between Cristi Puiu and the workshop participants reveal about the director’s commitment to nurturing new talent and providing opportunities for emerging actors in the industry?

The amount of trust Cristi invested in each of us was the biggest proof that he was truly committed to bring out the best in all of the participants of the workshop. He has the ability to create the perfect environment where you feel safe to open yourself and just be. Working with Cristi is like you’re on a mission…of becoming.

Considering the involvement of workshop participants in the film, how does Puiu’s directorial style adapt to accommodate both experienced actors and those new to the industry, ensuring a harmonious and compelling storytelling experience?

I don’t think he adapted his directorial style in order to accommodate both categories. He worked with all of us in the same way – towards the realness in every situation. That is what he needs – for you to just be. And he helps you gain that natural state by being an example of uncompromising existence. And a very generous one as well.

What impact does the blend of seasoned actors and debutants have on the overall atmosphere and authenticity of the film, particularly in portraying the challenging and complex scenarios presented in MMXX?

The authenticity of the film comes from the fact that the process was uncommon. This whole process pushes you to achieve a goal which doesn’t need to be adapted for either seasoned actors or debutants as it works both ways. This kind of work created a real connection between all of us.

In your opinion, how does the inclusion of both well-known actors and debutants contribute to the overall dynamic of the film?

From what I saw, during the filming of the movie this aspect contributed to the versatile atmosphere on set. To the movie itself it offered a much larger perspective in regards to what acting means.

How do you personally perceive the significance of the year 2020, separate from any influence or representation in this particular movie?

Besides all the anxiety and rage I felt that long period of time, I had the biggest loss that year. My father died. And this movie is a constant reminder that 2020 is a point in human history that transformed our perception. Something changed. In all of us. And it will never be the same again.

Alongside Dragoș Bucur, Dorian Boguță, and Dan Bordeianu, the cast includes: Bianca Cuculici, Otilia Panainte, Laur Bondarenco, Florin Țibre, Igor Babiac, Adelaida Perjoiu, Aurelian Chioveanu, Marin Cumatrenco, Roxana Ogrendil, Adelina Ioana Toma.

MMXX is a Mandragora and Block Media Management production in co-production with YOUBESC (Republic of Moldova) and in collaboration with actoriedefilm.ro, Fit4You, Farmacia Ana, Chainsaw Europe (Romania), Shellac (France), and is distributed in Romania by Iadasarecasa. The film’s producers are Dragoș Bucur, Dorian Boguță, Sergiu Cumatrenco, Viorel Chesaru, Cristi Puiu, and Anca Puiu.

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