Céline only gets involved in projects that she deeply believes in

On the set of Tag the actress concentrates on filming the next scene
 

She deplores the poor quality of some programmes -

“I hope that TV will change” - Céline Bonnier

She follows her instincts and sacrifices none of her values to the pursuit of fame. In her attitude Céline Bonnier is honest to the tips of her fingers. Her conversation is likewise.

We met Céline Bonnier on the set of Tag last week. In this series about street gangs in the world of crime the actress plays a 27 year old woman, Mélanie Jobin. “Mélanie has all sorts of problems”, explains Céline. “She is raising 3 children on her own and is a drug addict. Her two youngest children have been taken into care for a month to allow her to get her life in order. Things work out for her despite some setbacks…”

You couldn’t say that Céline Bonnier is overexposed on TV. It’s her own choice. “I said yes to Tag right away. Firstly because the scripts are very well written, and this is far from being the norm on TV. The characters have their own language and everything is consistent.

Also I have worked with director Pierre Houle on Omertà 2 and I wanted to repay that. I think he’s great. He is quiet, patient, considerate and extremely respectful. He strives to make a quality “product”. Moreover Pierre has the knack of knitting together a cast more than anyone. I also know the producer Francine Forest and I know that she is very concerned with artistic quality. Her priorities are in the right place and she searches after truth.”

So, when she was offered the job Céline didn’t have to be persuaded. “I try to get involved in projects that are real. Too much stuff is scribbled down and has no soul, isn’t alive. You look for the truth inside and you don’t find anything. The emphasis is in the wrong place. Do people do these things for a good reason or for the money? I couldn’t do a soap. I would suffocate. I hope that TV will change. I know that I’m applying value judgement saying this, but I can’t help thinking it.”

If the notions of truth and respect return often to Céline’s lips, there is another which underpins her life and career. It’s her freedom. Some months ago, with a meagre $7,000 budget, she produced a completely insane theatrical project in a hospital. “It was very complicated and frustrating playing the bureaucracy game, but I was able to go as far as I wanted. The theatre is magic. There are precious moments that you only experience once”.

After filming Tag, Céline Bonnier will fly off in the autumn to Europe to play in Urfaust with Louise de Beaumont, Albert Millaire, Paul Savoie and Daniel Parent. “We are off for several weeks to France and Germany,” she adds. On her return she will perform in a Michel-Marc Bouchard work (Sous les regards des mouches. Performed Feb - Mar 2000 - viv) at Duceppe. But don’t look for her on the TV.

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