Franck Gastambide knows how to turn his passions into creations. After rapping for the Validated on Canal+, it’s on his favorite sport, the MMAthat he and The Cagefive testosterone-fueled episodes available on Netlfix this Friday. He takes on the role of coach to a young boxer ready to do anything to succeed (Melvin Boomerwith astonishing charisma and energy).
Nervous fights aren’t the only assets of a series that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of boxing. While Franck Gastambide clearly loves boxing and boxers, he takes his subject seriously enough not to show only the good sides of this very masculine world. The 40-year-old confided in 20 Minutes on a singular career path that has seen him mature from his wacky comedies like Pattaya or Cab 5.
Is “La Cage” just for MMA fans?
I wanted to introduce MMA to people who don’t know anything about it, while at the same time pleasing the fans. Like Validated was for rap, La Cage is a kind of journey into the world of MMA that tries to be as close to reality as possible. Here too, I mixed actors with real specialists. Champions, legends of the sport, journalists and coaches play themselves. It was a way of making the whole thing believable, of giving a behind-the-scenes look at a sport that is becoming increasingly popular.
How does your hero resemble you?
He’s not a prodigy, but a hard worker. He’s closer to Rocky than to Mike Tyson. Tyson was a kind of incredible prodigy, and Rocky was the one nobody believed in, and who had to work harder than the others to succeed. I see myself in that determination. I’ve worked like crazy to fight against the dyslexia which torpedoed my school career. Work, self-sacrifice and surpassing oneself are values in which I recognize myself and which are shared by sportsmen and women. These are the values I want to pass on.
Is the world of MMA as macho as you portray it in the series?
We mustn’t forget that many women have become huge stars in the sport. Some have become so famous that Sylvester Stallone hired them for Expendables. Women also have big responsibilities in this business. Now, I recognize that it’s a violent sport, so it’s a rather virile atmosphere, but it’s changing.
Do you think the image of men is changing too?
Of course, and that’s a good thing. And it’s all the more important to show it when you’re exposed like I am. We have a responsibility, especially towards young people. I try to behave well, to do my best to project a positive image of a man who’s protective but not gruff. It doesn’t take much effort because it comes naturally to me. That’s my idea of a good guy. That said, good behavior doesn’t stop the haters and the jealous from pouring out their bile and lies. The cyberstalking is one of the evils of our time. I try not to pay attention to it, even if it often seems unfair. Social networks help to promote projects, and I use them. They can also generate hatred. As I’ve grown older, I’ve become a philosopher: I know that the two go hand in hand and that you have to deal with them.
How do you see yourself maturing?
I continue to appear in my projects because the broadcasters ask me to, but I want to bring out the best in others. That’s why I took on the role of the coach, which suited me and in which I was credible. It was funny because I realized that I was the same age as the father of Melvin Boomer, the lead actor in the series. I started out making buddy films like The Kaïras and Pattaya and I’m no longer a pal but a sort of big brother. I’ve gone over to the darling clan now.
How do you see this evolution?
Times change, as do tastes and mentalities. I try to adapt while remaining myself. At the start of my career, I wanted to show people who weren’t talked about much. Coming from the suburbs, I wanted to tell the story of my life as a suburban guy. I’ve evolved but not changed. I continue to put passion into my projects, and it seems that audiences are ready to follow me as they did for Validated. I’ve been a fan of MMA for ten years, but I’m also in tune with today’s world. For me, these boxers are real superheroes. They play a game of chess between top-level athletes that fascinates me. But I’m not trying to hide the problems that can arise from toxic attitudes. The series also tackles subjects which, in my opinion, are not really specific to MMA and which speak to the man I am today.
What are the themes that particularly touch you?
The series also deals with the problem of frustration and jealousy. I’m familiar with the consequences of success, the pressure of social networks, and the people around you who can sometimes change and become malicious. It’s a reality I wanted to talk about because it’s part and parcel of sport, but also of other professions. Climbing the ladder is not a peaceful process. It attracts malice. It’s even worse when you have to go into a cage and face someone who wants to hurt you for twenty minutes. You really need a mind of steel.
Do you feel like a fighter in your profession?
It’s not as physical. You fight to set up your projects, to carry them out and then to defend them once they’re finished. Here too, some people dream of seeing you fail. Especially when they’re not as successful as you are. With just a few hours to go before the series is released worldwide, I know that my work and I are going to be exposed. Launching a series is like fighting a battle. I’m ready to enter the cage to receive love as well as blows.