An Interview with "Heartbeats" Director Xavier Dolan

Actor/director Xavier Dolan, popping up as Francis in his new film “Heartbeats.”

Xavier Dolan is a film director based in Montreal. He’s 21 years old, and back in 2009 his debut film (written when he was 16; shot soon after) I Killed My Mother scored three awards at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, opening to standing ovations, and subsequently playing festivals everywhere. It received a US theatrical release earlier this year.

Dolan’s second film, Heartbeats (aka Les Amours Imaginaires), had its debut at this year’s Cannes film fest in May, also opening to standing ovations, and snagging the top prize of the Official Competition at the Sydney Film Festival in June. It’s screening now at the Toronto Internationa Film Festival. Not bad for any emerging director, but also not bad for someone who just reached U.S. drinking age, eh?

Heartbeats stylishly chronicles the story of two good friends Francis (played by Dolan) and Marie (Monia Chokri), who both fall for a handsome and enigmatic new friend, Nicolas (Niels Schneider) who enters their social circle. The vibe of the film is lyrical and romantic. Montreal has never looked more stylish and lush, and the film’s protagonists are attractive romantic hipsters, muddling their way through life, parties, cafes – all the while yearning to connect and fall in love.

Three’s company: Francis, Nicolas and Marie hit the sack in “Heartbeats.”

Dolan clearly has a gift for subtle storytelling and artful cinematography; and his sense of how to use music to amp up the emotional stakes is impressive.

With Heartbeats opening in Toronto, it seemed like a good time to talk to the candid, confident and openly gay Dolan about his work and his future plans.

AfterElton: Congratulations on Heartbeats. How did you get into to filmmaking?
Xavier Dolan: It’s maybe a surprising answer, but I wanted to be sure I could play the role of Hubert in I Killed My Mother, and I thought, “I don’t want to a director to be over me and saying “No, I’m thinking of that other actor or that big star…” I thought, “This is really my life and I’m going to direct it.”

Meanwhile, I had just dropped out of college, and watching films I realized that I wanted to be part of this. To participate in the cinematic experience and be part of this universe; to be an artist… I was young; I was 17. And then it became obvious to me that I wanted to become a director as well.

AE: What’s your favorite part about making movies?
XD: Shooting. It’s just the adrenaline. Maybe it goes away with time, but I believe not. I’m going to shoot my third film this winter, and I’m already thinking about the first day; five in the morning, sunrise, drinking bad coffee outside in the cold with your Canada goose coat — it’s just a ritual.