Music

Pete Doherty to star as a 19th-century French poet in new film

by Ciaran Thompson

Pete Doherty is known in many countries throughout the world as the guy who occasionally doesn’t show up to his concerts, enjoys being photographed doing drugs in public and previously had a troubled relationship with supermodel Kate Moss. In France however, he has always been lauded as a multi-talented romantic hero and has even landed a starring role in an upcoming film about 19th-century French poet and dramatist Alfred de Musset.

It was announced last week that the Babyshambles/ex-Libertines singer would be making his acting debut in the film, which also stars Charlotte Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin, with shooting to start in Paris later this month. Although some that know him best in the UK might be in a state of bewilderment to learn of this development, French followers have since rejoiced at the news.

“In Britain, Doherty is known for his relationship with Kate Moss; he’s almost a cartoon figure. Here in France he has always drawn the crowds. He’s seen as a kind of troubled, accursed but rather romantic poetic figure, which strikes a chord with the French,” said Noëmie Lecoq, a music writer for French magazine Les Inrockuptibles.

According to Doherty the as-yet-untitled film tells the story of “a love triangle, so it’s pretty intense and romantic. I don’t know if I’m a good actor, but they say I am.” [Guardian]