"Chocolat" is a story about temptation. What tempted you to do the project?
I was handed the script by Miramax, who I have a deal with to make a number of movies. This was number two, after "The Cider House Rules". I liked the fable-like story that didn't tell a tale with stereotypes or simplistic characters.
Can you talk about the casting...
Yes. Juliette Binoche was already decided upon when I came on board. She had been thought of before, when Miramax bought the novel. I chose the rest of the cast. I got to work with my wife, Lena Olin, for the first time, which was great. I thought it might be difficult in some way to talk to one's wife in a different way but it was so not forced. It was a natural continuation of our relationship. To see my wife getting inspired from my notes and thoughts, going in the direction I wanted, and have her surprise me with wonderful choices was a real treat.
Juliette has a reputation for being difficult with her directors. Was that the case?
I've been hearing this afterwards! I didn't experience that. She wanted a lot of preparation and she did a lot. She learned how to make chocolate. She was very ambitious. I think I managed to have her relax a little and she started to enjoy improvisation.
Were you surprised to get Johnny Depp?
I'm grateful that he agreed to do it, despite the fact that it's a part introduced one hour into the movie. We worked together on "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" and I think he felt that he owed me to show up again! He's a great actor with great taste and classy choices.
