Clubhouse Conversations — Emilia Pérez

In this episode, cinematographer Paul Guilhaume, AFC is joined by interviewer Eduard Grau, ASC, AEC to discuss his work on Emilia Pérez — a bold and operatic musical crime drama centered on a Mexican cartel leader’s journey of self-actualization.

Emilia Pérez follows high-powered lawyer Rita (Zoe Saldaña) as she takes on the life-changing task of assisting Mexican cartel leader Juan "Manitas" Del Monte (Karla Sofía Gascón) in faking their death and finding gender-affirming care to live authentically as Emilia Pérez. The film received the Jury Prize at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, as well as the festival's Best Actress award, which was shared by the female ensemble.

In this interview, Guilhaume discusses how his camera-and-lens pairings helped create the film's distinct visual texture; how the crew integrated tracking systems and laser walls into lighting setups; his approach to choreographing camera movement for musical sequences; how he balanced meticulous preparation with on-set improvisation; the importance of capturing the poetic interplay of light and shadow to reflect the film's narrative themes, and more.

Paul Guilhaume, AFC is a cinematographer whose credits include the features Ava (2017) and Paris, 13th District (2021), as well as the series The Bureau (2020).

Eduard Grau, ASC, AEC is a cinematographer whose credits include the features A Single Man (2009), Suffragette (2015), The Gift (2015) and Passing (2021).

You’ll find all episodes in our ASC Clubhouse Conversations discussion series here.