Chic and Judgmental, Julien Has Some of the Best Moments on Emily in Paris
If you've binge-watched Emily in Paris, the romantic workplace comedy from Sex and the City creator Darren Star, then you've already come to love the show's bright ensemble cast of French and American actors. There are veteran powerhouses like Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Broadway stars like Ashley Park, and some new faces, like Samuel Arnold, who plays Emily's fashion-forward but judgmental co-worker, Julien. Arnold's performance as the less-than-impressed, disgruntled French office-mate is pitch perfect: though Emily (Lily Collins) always has a killer outfit and seems to be enjoying Paris's charms, she doesn’t speak French and doesn't fit in with her co-workers at the marketing firm Savoir, especially Julien, who makes his annoyance visibly—and humorously—known.
Arnold, 25, was born and raised in Paris, and started off as a professional dancer before making the transition to acting. He performed in London (where he now lives) at the National Theatre in Anthony and Cleopatra alongside Ralph Fiennes, and then starred in the French TV film Tuer un Homme. T&C caught up with Arnold about the success of Emily in Paris, what it got right about French life, and hopes for a second season.
What drew you to the character of Julien?
I loved my character from A to Z from the moment I read the script. If I had the choice to choose any character, I would choose him. What I like most about him is his freedom—he can say or do whatever he wants, he speaks his mind and it's OK because he has this position at Savoir. With Emily I think he sees her as a rival at first and then by the end she’s an ally.
Some people have knocked the show for being a clichéd representation of Paris. As a Parisian, what did you think about that criticism?
I think the most cliché thing in the show is the fact that Paris is beautiful all the time. It is not only beautiful in real life, it can be gray at times! But the show praises the city by showing its beauty and landmarks. I wasn’t insulted at all. When you do something in a certain place, the audience needs to recognize the place—the title is Emily in Paris, so obviously Paris needs to be shown. There is a big sense of pride because the city is being shown to the world in the best way possible.
Have you had American friends come to Paris and do these stereotypical Parisian things?
In the show when she took a bite of the pain au chocolate...every single thing my friends have tasted, they made the same face. They're like "this is the best thing I've ever tasted!" So, it's cliché but it's true.
What's something that the show got right that really is different about French life versus American life?
I live in London now, and you go into a shop in the UK or in the US and the customer is king. It's weird because in France, it's not like that, you're kind of equal to the waiters, which is great as well. In France I would never complain about the food [like the scene where Emily sends back a steak she believes is undercooked.]
Was there a scene that got left out that you wish made it on screen? Maybe something that could pop up in a potential season two?
The show was full of jokes and great lines, and actually I think what we gave was the best that was written. I don’t think we sacrificed anything. At the moment we don't know about season two, but hopefully!
What do you think the show offers people right now during the ongoing pandemic, when many of us can't travel?
Honestly, I was happy to be part of the show right now because it is an escape from reality. The show is just simplicity and joy and beauty. A lot of people are struggling because of Covid-19, and I'm so glad we could offer something light and funny and full of love.
And the most important question: did you get to keep the clothes?
I didn’t keep the clothes! I didn’t even think to ask! But I was inspired by my character so now I can be more bold in how I dress.
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