By Jérôme Goulon.
It was undoubtedly the highlight of the last César ceremony. Jim Carrey received an honorary César on February 26th. This award recognizes his entire career and his influence on cinema. Known for his memorable roles in films like The Mask, T et Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless MindThe Canadian actor was lauded for his unique talent, blending humor, creativity, and emotion. During the ceremony, he delivered a speech in French that deeply moved the audience and earned him a standing ovation. Behind this immensely talented actor, who radiates joie de vivre, lie some tragedies, such as the suicide of his partner, Cathriona White, which marked him for life and reminded him of his mother's depression. This depression, which drove him as a child to want to make others laugh, contributed to making him who he is today. Jim Carrey had discussed these difficult events with us in an interview he gave to Interviews...
Interview: You've been less visible on screen in recent years… What happened?
Jim Carrey: I went through a really rotten period in my life, one I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy! (Jim Carrey had lost his former partner, Cathriona White, who committed suicide in 2015, editor's note.) I know I'm going to have more ups and downs. There have been times when things were better, but every time I thought I'd found peace, boom, it's like I fall off a surfboard and find myself drowning in the breaking waves.
Have you seen a psychologist or were you undergoing treatment?
I took Prozac for a while, and it's not exactly the drug that cures depression. That stuff puts your brain in a comatose state, like it's bathed in cotton wool! (Laughs) Despite everything, it allows you to live and even smile at work.
Would you like some more?
Today, I no longer take Prozac, nor alcohol, nor drugs, nor coffee… You can't get cleaner than me! (Laughs) I manage my depressive phases without any help. It's painful, but at least I feel alive.
Your mother suffered from the same thing, didn't she?
Yes. And what's rather paradoxical is that it was thanks to my mother's depression that I started acting like a fool. I always tried to make her laugh to cheer her up. I had to prove to her that I was a miracle and that her life was worth living.
You haven't always been kind to your parents in interviews…
That's true. I spent a lot of time being angry with my parents and saying so publicly. I felt they put way too much pressure on me when I was young.
"When I was 13, my father lost his job and we were close to starving to death."
That's to say ?
When I was 13, my father lost his job and we were close to starving. After school, my five brothers and sisters and I cleaned toilets in a factory to bring in some money. We even lived in a truck…
Is that why you were angry with them?
No. In fact, when I started doing stand-up at 15, I became the sole breadwinner for my family. For a long time, I believed my parents were supporting me for the money, not for my talent. But I was wrong.
Your career is marked by comedic roles, although you've also been seen in more dramatic roles, which were sometimes less well-received. Do you think you made a mistake by changing your style?
No. I want to have fun with my job and I always want to surprise people…
