In Françoise Sagan’s cult classic novel Bonjour Tristesse, 17-year-old Cecile comes of age on the glittering French coast. And now the novel has a new adaptation from filmmaker and HommeGirl contributor Durga Chew-Bose. The movie, which is already set to receive an award at the upcoming Toronto Film Festival and will premiere September 5th, stars Lily McInerney (the obstinate Cecile) opposite our favorite HG covergirl Chloe Sevigny. For the latest digital exclusive Durga gives us a unique glimpse into the filmmaking of Bonjour Tristesse through beautiful and sentimental treasures: a necklace Lily gave her, scribbled on scripts, souvenirs, stage directions. Bonjour Tristesse.
"Wrap gifts are an art. As the last day of production approaches (our emotions rising to the top, goodbyes on the horizon), some of us are also scrambling behind the scenes to find the words, write letters, and in Lily's case, secure the most thoughtful token of love. This necklace is a miniature replica of our script. At first I didn't realize what it was but when the words became clear, I found myself grinning, speechless, totally awed by this tiny version of our movie, eight years in the making. In classic Lily style, and channeling her spirit, the gift felt like the biggest secret in the world. Her and I both love small things. Small things focus our world. She's focused mine." -Durga Chew-Bose
September 2024